If you’re on the East Coast, you know that the temperature lately has been pretty brutal (like, I can’t even take my sanity stroll, brutal). And, since I recently returned from an international trip, and hopping on a plane again to head to a tropical destination was out of the question, I did the next best thing—booked a session in the infrared sauna.
The other day, it was a balmy 17 degrees outside, the seasonal depression was kicking in, and I had spent one too many days alone working from my couch. I decided that I needed a little heat, and I was fortunate enough to snag a sauna appointment (not surprisingly, they are hard to come by on cold days).
I’ve been a devout infrared sauna user for a few years, and appreciate that it has the magical ability to make me feel like a whole new person in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s seeking relief from sore muscles, looking to improve my sleep, or just needing a good sweat session, the sauna is like a one-stop shop for my mind and body. And the other day, a quick sauna session was exactly what I needed to feel like myself again.
Here are some benefits I’ve noticed since incorporating infrared sauna sessions into my routine:
Improved Sleep: I’m usually a pretty sound sleeper, but when I don’t invite enough movement into my life (as in, when it’s cold outside and I don’t want to take a walk), I can have trouble falling and staying asleep. I will usually schedule some time in the sauna when it happens a few nights in a row, and I need a reset.
Glowing Skin: That post-sauna glow is real! And if you follow me on Instagram, perhaps you caught it the other day on my Stories. After sitting at 150 degrees for 30 minutes, the increased circulation had done wonders for my skin.
Soothing Sore Muscles: This is what led me to try an infrared sauna in the first place. When I returned to riding a few years ago, my muscles were perpetually sore. I started going to the sauna the day after I would ride, and it helped to ease the aches and pains. I also like to schedule a sauna session when I’ve been sitting at my desk for too long, and I start getting aches in my neck and back (which I’ve been suffering with these last few weeks).
Whether you’re looking to destress or simply to treat yourself, hitting the infrared sauna has been a transformative part of my wellness routine.
Have you tried an infrared sauna before? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
Leave a Reply