When most people think of saunas, they often envision the cold of winter, where the warmth of the sauna provides a cozy escape from the biting chill.
For the uninitiated, the thought is simple:
Sauna when it’s cold. Ice cream when warm.
But this line of thought leaves people thinking heat is bad, and that the sauna is just something to endure. We believe the sauna is to be enjoyed, not endured.
While the cooler months are indeed popular times to enjoy the sauna, the benefits and pleasures of sauna bathing extend well beyond the winter months. At Cedar & Stone Nordic Sauna, we believe that a sauna is a year-round ritual, offering unique advantages and experiences in every season. Let’s explore why a sauna is a great addition to your wellness routine all year long.
Summer: Cool Down to Heat Up
It might seem counterintuitive to use a sauna in the summer, but it can actually be incredibly beneficial. In many cultures, saunas are used year-round, and the summer is no exception.
In Finnish culture, much of summer revolves around the sauna by the cottage and a freshwater lake. The cultural wisdom here includes solstice or Mid Summer holidays to connect people over the summer and always around sauna.
Personally, growing up in Northern Minnesota, the summer always included a warm sauna when we were spending time with family at the lake.
It extended our time in the water at the beginning and end of summer dramatically.
But what about those hot hot hot days? What if I don’t live in Finland or Northern Minnesota?
Picture this…
You begin training your body in 195° F. The rest of the day in 95° F is literally a hundred degrees less sweltering.
Using a sauna in the summer can also help you acclimate to the heat, making those hot, sunny days more tolerable. After spending time in a sauna, even the hottest summer day can feel more manageable. Plus, the sauna offers a perfect complement to water activities. Imagine a day spent swimming in a cool lake or pool, followed by a relaxing sauna session to end the day.
Protip: long summer nights are perfect for long extended sauna sessions, helping with deep sleep.
Fall: Prepare for the Cold
As the leaves change color and the air becomes crisp, fall is a time of preparation. The transition from summer to winter can sometimes take a toll on the body, but regular sauna use can help ease this transition. The heat helps to maintain circulation and keep the immune system strong as the cold weather approaches.
Fall is also a season of reflection and grounding. The sauna provides a quiet, serene environment perfect for mindfulness and meditation. As the pace of life picks up with the return to school and work routines, taking time to unwind in the sauna can help maintain balance and reduce stress.
Winter: Embrace the Warmth
Winter is perhaps the quintessential season for sauna use. As the temperatures drop and snow blankets the ground, stepping into a warm sauna feels like a much-needed embrace. The contrast between the icy outdoors and the inviting heat inside the sauna creates a deeply relaxing experience.
The winter months often bring about feelings of lethargy and a need for comfort. A period where many endure seasonal affective disorder also known as the “winter blues” due to lower levels of sunlight and time outside. The steps in the sauna ritual — hot, cold, rest, rehydrate, repeat — has numerous benefits on not only your physical well-being but also mental health. VailHealth.org highlights, “cold exposure triggers the release of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. This can lead to improved mood, reduced stress, and heightened mental alertness.” Paired with the many physical and mental benefits of sauna, and you’ll be well on your way to a much healthier, happier cold season. A sauna session can invigorate the body and mind, boosting circulation and relieving the aches and pains that can come with the cold.
Moreover, the sauna provides a perfect setting for social gatherings, offering a warm retreat for family and friends to reconnect during the holiday season.
Spring: Refresh and Renew
As winter fades and the world begins to thaw, spring symbolizes renewal and growth. This season is a time of cleansing and rejuvenation, making it an ideal period to incorporate sauna use into your routine. The sauna can help detoxify the body, flushing out the toxins accumulated during the winter months.
Spring is also a time when many people focus on their health and fitness goals. The heat from the sauna can aid in muscle recovery after workouts, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Additionally, the changing weather can often bring about seasonal allergies and the flu. Regular sauna use can help alleviate some of these symptoms by promoting respiratory health, immune system function, and clearing sinuses.
Year-Round Benefits
Regardless of the season, saunas offer a myriad of health benefits that can enhance your wellness journey throughout the year. From improved cardiovascular health and detoxification to stress relief and enhanced skin health, the sauna is a versatile tool in promoting overall well-being.
At Cedar & Stone Nordic Sauna, our designs are crafted to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, providing a sanctuary that can be enjoyed in every season. Our commitment to sustainability ensures that our saunas are not only beautiful and functional but also environmentally responsible. Whether you’re seeking the warmth of winter, the renewal of spring, the balance of summer, or the grounding of fall, our saunas provide the perfect space to connect with yourself and the natural world.
Beyond the Seasons
Michael Easter’s words help us work against the norms of our culture: Michael writes: “We are living progressively sheltered, sterile, temperature-controlled, overfed, under-challenged, safety-netted lives.”
“We are living progressively sheltered, sterile, temperature-controlled, overfed, under-challenged, safety-netted lives.”
Michael Easter, The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort To Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self
The benefits of a sauna ritual get us out of a small three degrees of preferred climate-controlled lifestyle.
Incorporating a sauna into your year-round routine offers countless benefits and enhances your connection to the changing seasons. We invite you to explore the beauty and wellness that a sauna can bring to your life, no matter the time of year. Embrace the warmth, refresh and renew, cool down to heat up, and prepare for the cold with a sauna that supports your health and happiness all year long.
How do you enjoy your sauna in each season?
Book a sauna session with us: https://cedarandstonesauna.com/experience
Want to add an outdoor sauna for year-round enjoyment and well-being to your property? Reserve yours.
