Admin • 18 December 2024
6 top benefits of using a sauna
At Zest Life we love to sauna and to mix that up with a cold water dip is even better. We all know saunas are not only relaxing but also offer a range of health benefits. Incorporating sauna sessions into your wellness routine can help support physical and mental well-being in many ways. Just remember to stay hydrated and listen to your body while using the sauna!
Here are Laura’s
6 top benefits of using a sauna:
1. Improved Circulation
- How: The heat in a sauna causes your blood vessels to dilate, which improves blood flow and increases circulation.
- Benefit: Better circulation can lead to improved oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles and organs, helping with recovery, reducing muscle soreness, and promoting overall heart health.
2. Detoxification
- How: The high heat induces sweating, which helps flush toxins and impurities from the body through your skin.
- Benefit: Sweating can help eliminate heavy metals, chemicals, and other toxins, potentially leading to clearer skin and improved overall health.
3. Stress Relief
- How: The warmth of a sauna helps your muscles relax, promotes endorphin release, and encourages a meditative, calm state.
- Benefit: Regular sauna sessions can reduce stress, promote mental relaxation, and help with managing anxiety and tension.
4. Improved Skin Health
- How: The sweating process helps clear pores, removes dead skin cells, and promotes better skin hydration.
- Benefit: Using a sauna regularly can result in smoother, clearer skin and can help with conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
5. Pain Relief and Muscle Relaxation
- How: The heat of the sauna can relax sore or stiff muscles, ease joint pain, and increase flexibility.
- Benefit: Saunas are commonly used by athletes and people with chronic pain for recovery, as they can reduce muscle tension and inflammation.
6. Boosted Immune Function
- How: The heat in a sauna raises your body temperature, which mimics a fever and can stimulate the immune system.
- Benefit: This “artificial fever” can help enhance the body’s ability to fight off infections and reduce the frequency of colds or other illnesses.
The power of sauna has been known for centuries and for that reason we are excited to bring a sauna session to all of our Anglesey swim retreats in 2025. We are teaming up with a fabulous local company called Sawna Bach who have sauna pods at both beach and lake locations here in North Wales.
Day 1 of your swim retreat will be a swim and sauna experience at Llyn Padarn, one of the most majestic lakes at the foot of snowdon. You will be expertly guided in the water and the private sauna will be right there for you to relax in post or in between swims.
Brimming with flavour, this sweet and savoury miso roasted butternut squash is the ideal dish for a delicious winter feast.
Fresh thoughts for Christmas
In the relentless pace of modern life, we often wear busy-ness as a badge of honour. Our calendars are packed, our inboxes are full, and our minds are constantly whirring with to-do lists and responsibilities. We pour our energy into work, family, and social commitments, often leaving one crucial person overlooked: ourselves. The journey toward good wellbeing - a holistic state of physical, mental, and emotional health - can seem complex and intimidating. We read about intricate diets, intense exercise routines, and advanced meditation techniques. But the truth is, the most powerful and fundamental step is the simplest one: taking time for yourself. This isn't a luxury or an indulgence; it is the absolute foundation upon which all other forms of self-care and personal growth must be built. Why "Me-Time" is Non-Negotiable Thinking of "me-time" as selfish is a common misconception. In reality, it is a necessary act of self-preservation and rejuvenation. Imagine your energy and emotional reserve as a well. If you are constantly drawing water out for others without ever allowing it time to refill, the well will eventually run dry. When you are depleted, your ability to be a patient partner, an effective employee, or a supportive friend is severely diminished. Taking time for yourself is the conscious act of pausing the demands of the outside world and dedicating that space solely to your own needs. It is about shifting your focus inward, even if just for a few minutes. The Ripple Effect of Self-Connection When you prioritise this dedicated time, the benefits ripple out into every facet of your life: Stress Reduction: Stepping away from the constant noise allows your prefrontal cortex - the decision-making part of your brain - to rest. This pause can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to a calmer nervous system and clearer thinking. Problems that seemed insurmountable often become manageable after a period of quiet reflection. Emotional Regulation: When we are rushed and stressed, our emotions tend to be erratic and reactive. Time alone offers a chance to check in with yourself: How am I really feeling? What do I need right now? This awareness is the key to managing your feelings rather than letting them manage you. Increased Productivity: It may seem counterintuitive, but a short break can dramatically improve your performance. Taking time off allows for "diffuse thinking," where your brain makes connections and solves problems in the background. You come back to your tasks with renewed focus and fresh ideas. A Stronger Sense of Self: Constant interaction with others means we are often adjusting our behaviour to fit a social context. Solitude allows you to reconnect with your authentic self - your values, your dreams, and your genuine interests - free from external judgments or expectations.
