Are Saunas Beneficial? A MUST Try Natural Anxiety Aid

YES! Saunas can be extremely beneficial for you in countless ways. This post is going to discuss all of the positive ways you can benefit from by adding the sauna into your weekly routine and how it can be used as a natural anxiety aid!

Anxiety is a mental health condition characterized by excessive worry, fear, and restlessness. It can have a debilitating effect on a person’s quality of life, affecting relationships, work productivity, and overall happiness. I have experienced these negative impacts on my life as I suffer from anxiety. While there are various treatment options available, ranging from therapy to medication, many individuals such as myself are turning to alternative methods to manage their anxiety, such as saunas.

As someone who suffers with anxiety, I am here to share with you several benefits that the sauna has to offer as it has become a haven for me. It has provided a respite from the daily chaos by offering a soothing escape for my anxious mind and racing thoughts. The calming heat and therapeutic effects have become an integral part of my journey towards finding peace and serenity amidst the turbulence of anxiety.

This post is all about the main benefits you can expect to receive by adding the sauna into your weekly routine as a natural anxiety aid. I will also share some personal tips and what to expect in case it is your first time hitting the sauna! Happy sweating!

Sauna Benefits: A Natural Anxiety Aid

1. Stress Reduction: Saunas help activate the body’s relaxation response by promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers. As the body heats up it is as though you can feel build up tension and stress melt away, providing a calming effect. It is almost impossible for me to not leave the sauna feeling less stressed out. If you really take the time to sit, sweat and breath through your thoughts, it can be very helpful in working through whatever might be stressing you out in the moment.
2. Improved Sleep Quality: Anxiety disrupts sleep patterns, leading to restless nights and fatigue. Sauna sessions have been found to improve sleep quality, allowing you to achieve a more restful and rejuvenating sleep. By easing anxiety and promoting relaxation, saunas contribute to a better sleep routine, which is essential for mental well-being. On days that I sauna, I find that I am able to unwind and fall asleep with much more ease.
3. Enhanced Circulation: Spending time in a sauna promotes increased blood flow and improved circulation throughout the body. This enhanced circulation not only carries more oxygen and nutrients to the brain but also aids in flushing out toxins, creating a healthier environment for brain function. By optimizing brain health, saunas can help alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance overall mental clarity.
4. Neurotransmitter Balance: Saunas may also have a positive impact on neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play key roles in regulating mood and anxiety. Regular sauna use has been associated with increased serotonin production, which can lead to a more stable mood and reduced anxiety levels. I find that my mood overall is more relaxed and calmer on days that I do go sauna. It is as though I sweat away my worries.
5. Mindfulness and Relaxation: Sauna sessions provide a peaceful environment away from distractions, allowing you to engage in mindfulness and relaxation practices. By focusing on the present moment and fostering a state of calmness, saunas can help you manage anxiety symptoms and improve overall mental well-being.

Tips For First Time Sauna Users

1. You should always consult with a healthcare professional: While saunas can be beneficial for anxiety, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or wellness regimen. They can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your individual needs and health conditions.
2. Start slowly and listen to your body: Begin with shorter sauna sessions at lower temperatures, gradually increasing the duration and heat as your body adapts. It’s crucial to listen to your body’s signals and avoid overheating or discomfort. I would recommend trying 10-15 minutes for your first session and then gradually increasing your time from there.
3. Hydrate adequately: Sauna sessions lead to significant sweating, so it’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your session to stay hydrated and support your body’s natural detoxification process. I like to drink a liquid IV on days that I sauna to help replenish lost electrolytes through the excessive sweating. PRO TIP: You should bring a water into the sauna with you so you can hydrate during your session and AVOID bringing any metal water bottles into the sauna as they will get extremely hot and likely burn your hands when you go to hydrate (speaking from experience)
4. Combine with other anxiety management strategies: While saunas can be a valuable addition to your anxiety management routine, they work best when combined with other evidence-based strategies such as therapy, exercise, and a balanced diet.