Saunas have been a tradition for thousands of years in many European cultures, and they have been well known for being an excellent means of relaxation. The most experienced sauna bathers claim that you will always emerge relaxed from a session; it does not matter if it's your first or your 100th time in a sauna.

Let's take Finnland as an example to back up those claims. According to The World Happiness Report, Finns have been the happiest country five years in a row. So there is no way it's a coincidence that the country with 3.3 million saunas and 5.5 million people is the happiest!

So, how can we improve our sauna sessions to hopefully achieve the level of happiness and relaxation the Finns are enjoying?

Even if the most traditional way to enjoy a sauna is in a quiet environment, we don't live in "traditional" times anymore. Nowadays, life is a lot more hectic. We are under higher stress levels, and just following tradition might not cut it. For this reason, we think utilizing music can have a massive positive impact on your sessions and help you unwind.

Music can improve your mental health. We are not making this up. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, "music engages our brain's neocortex, calms us and reduces impulsivity." This should not be surprising. You have probably listened to music while taking a shower and sang your heart out. How did it feel? We can bet you came out of that shower full of energy.

Well, it's the same for saunas. You can use your Sauna for more than relaxation. Maybe you have been feeling down and want to brighten up, or you might feel uninspired to finish or start a project, and you want to get that extra energy and motivation to get it done. So why not play your favorite songs while enjoying that deep sweat session? 

Living in a hectic world filled with noise and distractions can make it difficult to focus and maintain equanimity. Saunas are well known for having a calm and quiet setting. That is why they are an incredible place to meditate.

Meditating is already an excellent way to bring peace to our minds and health benefits to our bodies. Now, imagine what you can achieve by combining meditation with the vast list of benefits saunas offer.

Let's talk about what you can expect to gain from sauna meditation.

Improved Blood Pressure

Meditation and saunas are scientifically proven ways to improve blood circulation. Better blood-flow results in a more oxygenated body, which helps your body's cells regenerate and heal faster and ultimately helps the body perform physical activities better.

It Reduces Anxiety & Stress

Saunas and meditation can stimulate the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is known as the "happy hormone" because it controls our emotions, and it's in charge of handling stress and anxiety levels.

Improve brain Health

According to studies conducted at the University of Eastern Finland, people who used saunas or infrared saunas 4-7 times a week for 15 minutes lowered their risk of developing Alzheimer's & Dementia. 

• Rosemary
• Lavender
• Jasmine
• Vanilla
• Sea Breeze
• Clary Sage

Yes, sauna yoga is a thing, and it's becoming increasingly popular with fans of yoga and sauna users alike. People who tried yoga in a sauna claim they saw an improvement in their mood and overall health. Some health benefits include relief from joint pain and stiffness, strengthening the cardiovascular system, relieving muscle pain, and enhancing flexibility. 

There is nothing more relaxing than practicing activities that you actually enjoy. Seriously, just play with the temperatures and session lengths, stay until you feel satisfied, and incorporate any extra activities you want (as long as they are safe). Some Finns even cook sausages on their sauna stoves, so don't be afraid to experiment.