Why saunas are good for mental health
Using a sauna in the UK has historically been considered either a luxury (think spa day) or an often unnecessary addition to a the more important session in the gym. What we’ve been missing, is the social, physical and mental health benefits of a sauna session that other cultures have known for centuries.
The benefits of saunas have been known for a long time. Yes they’re great for recovery, and can help you relax, but they are also known to combat inflammation in the body, a condition attributed to so many issues from depression to Alzheimer's (more on this here) so why do we not see this as as essential as stretching or strength training for our wellbeing? We’ve seen a huge shift over the last few years, and since COVID in how we take care of ourselves. It’s no longer just about looking good on the outside, but also considering what’s happening inside our bodies (and minds) too. As we begin to prioritise nervous system regulation, hormone balancing, immune system boosting and emotional resilience, is it time to spend more time in the sauna?
Saunas are a central part of Scandinavian culture, and are considered a sacred space in Finnish tradition. For many Finns the sauna was the holiest room in the house and the one most closely associated with their wellbeing.
"Finns say the sauna is a poor man's pharmacy," says Pekka Niemi, a 54-year-old from Helsinki, who spends about three hours a day in the sauna, six days a week. "If a sick person is not cured by tar, spirits or sauna, then they will die," he adds, quoting a Finnish proverb.
Now let’s look to Bali, possibly considered one of the wellbeing capitals of the world and a destination for those wanting to heal and recover. Destinations such as The Istana have been open for years now, offering cutting edge bio-hacking solutions that go far beyond your average gym. Here you can try anything from cryotherapy to sensory deprivation tanks. The Istana appealed not only to wellness tourists, but also to tech entrepreneurs that were realising that the spa didn’t only make them feel good physically, it also optimised how they performed in business too.
So aside from the obvious, why does a sauna have such an impact on our body and mind?
Rather than rushing in and out of the sauna after a workout, the Scandinavians see this as an essential part of life, not only for the health benefits, but to take moments of less mental stimulation. Because the sauna space is usually low light, quiet and tech-free, it provides a sanctuary to the busy-ness of life, time to simply be, and therefore silent moments to let ideas arrive. These moments of escape combined with the improved blood flow and endorphin boost mean you leave the sauna feeling completely revived, but also inspired. This is also why it’s a great addition to the creative process too, because time slow down and let our minds wander is just as important as the creating.
So when people ask why we chose our venue in Lithuania, and not some other popular retreat destination like Ibiza or Bali? Their gorgeous sauna with a lake-side setting to allow for wild swims, completely isolated and immersed in nature - that’s why. Just take a look at this amazing setting to disconnect and revive body and mind.
Our next retreat is 24th March 2025, including 5 days of nature, creativity, slowness and saunas. And we only have 1 room remaining, so if you’re interested, get in touch soon to secure your spot > contact us
