Saunas are known for being very relaxing. For centuries, people have used them as a way to escape the stress of the day. Those who have carved a few minutes out of a hectic day to melt the day’s worries away in a relaxing sauna can attest that there’s nothing quite like it.

While the pleasure aspect is undoubtedly a draw by itself, saunas offer much more than peace and relaxation. A satisfying stay in the sauna is actually good for your health.

Below are some of the many ways a sauna helps restore your balance, improve your overall wellbeing, and even lift your spirits!

 

1.   They’re Good For Your Skin

All that warm, satisfying steam causes your body to sweat. In response, your pores open up, allowing any bacteria trapped within to dislodge. Moisture also creates a layer on the skin that rinses away dead skin cells. That allows for the regeneration of new cells, making your skin softer and healthier skin.

Saunas are also helpful for the management of certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

 

2.   Saunas Help You Breathe Easier

Hot steam is one of the best ways to find relief if you’re suffering from a cold or sinus congestion. The warm steam:

  • Opens up airways
  • Loosens phlegm
  • Relieves congestion
  • Reduces the risk of pneumonia

For those who suffer from respiratory ailments such as asthma and COPD, time spent in the sauna may help to alleviate symptoms. Still, it’s important to note that high heat and humidity are triggers for some asthmatics. That’s why it’s best to talk to your doctor before incorporating a sauna into your lifestyle.

 

3.   They Alleviate Aches and Pains

Whether you’re stiff and sore from a long day at work or feeling the effects of an intense workout, a trip to the sauna may be just what you need.

Athletes and those who work out can find relief in the warmth saunas provide. Heat triggers endorphins, which help to eliminate lactic acid brought on by physical exertion. That helps to minimize the pain and discomfort and helps you feel better faster.

Saunas are a boon for those who suffer from chronic pain. Many have long sought relief from a relaxing trip to the sauna for issues like chronic tension headaches and arthritis to musculoskeletal conditions.

 

4.   They Help You Sleep Better

A stay in the sauna can do wonders for your sleep. By winding down in warmth at the end of the day, you raise your body temperature. Your body compensates when you get out by working hard to cool you down. Your body produces melatonin (the sleep hormone) when it’s cooling down while you sleep at night.

When you raise your temperature in a sauna, and it must work quickly to cool you down, it starts the melatonin production process, leaving your body ready to hit the sack.

But that’s not the only part of the experience that brings on the sleepiness. While you’re in the quiet solitude of the sauna, you’re unwinding and priming your body and mind for a restful night’s sleep. If you make this a nightly habit, you can train your body and brain to start becoming tired each night at the same time, making it easier to get a good night’s rest every night.

 

5.   Saunas Make You Happy

At the very least, they improve upon your current mood. Saunas promote a better state of mind and spirit in several ways:

Endorphin Release

Heat causes your brain to release endorphins, otherwise known as the “happy hormone.” This chemical eases stress and makes you feel good.

Peace and Quiet

Time spent in the sauna is time spent away from work, social media, the news, and anything else in life that brings you stress. It’s a place where you can sit, quiet and still, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Improved Social Interaction

Not in the mood to take a break from social interaction? Saunas are popular places for social gatherings. If you’d rather keep your group small, saunas offer a quiet place to relax with a loved one or hold deeper and more meaningful conversations without the noise and distraction of the world around you.

 

You don’t need a spa or gym membership to reap the benefits of a trip to the sauna. At Great Bay Sauna and Spa, we have Helo Saunas that fit your home, style, and budget. Contact us today to speak with a friendly staff member about Helo Saunas for your home or schedule a visit to our store.