In the fast-paced world we live in, anxiety has become a common mental health issue affecting millions of people worldwide.
While there are many traditional methods of dealing with anxiety, such as therapy and medication, many individuals are seeking natural and holistic approaches to manage their symptoms.
One such method that has gained attention is sauna therapy. But could a sauna really help with anxiety? Let's delve into the research and explore this intriguing possibility.
Anxiety is a normal response to stress or danger and is often referred to as the 'fight or flight' response. However, when these feelings become persistent and interfere with daily life, it may be an indication of an anxiety disorder.
Symptoms can range from mild unease to severe panic and can include physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Each type has its own set of symptoms and triggers, but all can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
Heat therapy, also known as thermotherapy, has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and healing, which contributes to the sauna benefits for mental health. The heat from a sauna can increase blood flow, promote sweating, and stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural 'feel-good' chemicals. This can result in a sense of relaxation and well-being, which may help alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Moreover, heat therapy can also help to reduce muscle tension and promote better sleep, both of which can be beneficial for those struggling with anxiety.
While these studies are promising, it's important to note that more research is needed. Many of the studies on sauna use and anxiety have been small, and larger, more rigorous studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Additionally, most studies have focused on the short-term effects of sauna use, and more research is needed to understand the long-term effects.
Furthermore, while using heat therapy for stress and anxiety relief may be beneficial for some people, it should not be seen as a replacement for traditional treatments such as therapy and medication. Sauna use should be seen as a complementary therapy, used in conjunction with other treatments.
If you’re considering turning to a sauna for anxiety relief, here are a few of the different ways you can improve your mental health by using heat therapy for stress and anxiety.
The heat from a sauna triggers a physiological response in the body that helps lower your cortisol, or the “stress hormone.” The heat causes your body to try to “de-stress,” therefore reducing your cortisol levels and raising your endorphins, or the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals.
As your body responds to the heat, it will begin to release relaxing chemicals throughout your body, including endorphins. Endorphins naturally help us to feel relaxed and at ease, reducing the overall symptoms of stress and anxiety you may feel.
As your body produces endorphins and your cortisol levels begin to lower, you may find yourself experiencing enhanced mental clarity as the stress and anxiety that has been weighing you down begins to melt away in the heat from a sauna. Additionally, these calming effects can promote relaxation.
Sauna therapy has a long, vibrant, rich history of relaxation, social and mental wellness, and healing. The practice of heat therapy has been ingrained in human culture for centuries, and can be traced all the way back to ancient civilizations and indigenous peoples around the world. For example, Finnish culture, which has served as the basis for SISU Lifestyle’s sauna therapy model, began over 2,000 years ago as spaces for physical cleansing, mental relaxation, and spiritual purification.
Traditional Finnish saunas, originally smoke saunas (savusauna), were considered scared places that promoted not only physical health, but also mental and spiritual well-being.
While many ancient and indigenous cultures believed sauna therapy was a way to connect with the spirits, modern sauna therapy helps promote healing physically, spiritually, and mentally. Original Finnish saunas were used in rituals believed to cleanse the soul, relieve muscle tension, and foster social bonding. Today, SISU Lifestyle’s Finnish saunas provide a similar experience: a holistic approach to health that includes mental calmness and anxiety relief, in addition to all the physical benefits.
Brands like ours preserve Finnish tradition with modern craftsmanship—each sauna is built by Finnish-American and Amish artisans in Ohio, offering superior quality and timeless tradition.
If you’re ready to try heat therapy for anxiety and stress relief, your next question is likely this: Which sauna is best for anxiety?
For anxiety treatment, research shows consistent heat exposure, regardless of the type, is most important to maximize your benefits. Therefore, it becomes vital to find a sauna you will use regularly.
Our traditional dry saunas eliminate the guesswork with pure, high heat proven for centuries.
Here’s how our traditional dry saunas simplify consistency:
If you want to maximize your sauna's mental health benefits, even the wood of your sauna makes a difference. One of the best woods for a sauna to help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety is cedar. Cedar is known for its aromatherapy and stress relief, and unlike other woods that can be sticky or resinous, cedar does not emit an overpoweringly strong odor, making it ideal for sensitive noses.
Cedar releases a natural, soothing fragrance called a cedrol compound that helps lower cortisol levels. Cedar wood is best for those who want a spa-like, calming atmosphere for their sauna experience.
Our red cedar saunas naturally repel allergens and moisture, creating a pure environment for stress relief to maximize your sauna benefits for mental health.
If you're interested in trying sauna therapy for anxiety, here are some steps to get you started. Remember, always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
If you're new to sauna use, start with shorter sessions of about 10-15 minutes and gradually increase the duration as your body adjusts.
Saunas can cause you to sweat a lot, so it’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your session to prevent dehydration.
Alcohol and heavy metals can quickly dehydrate your body, making it especially dangerous to combine them with sauna therapy as it may increase your risk of heat stroke.
If you start to feel dizzy, nauseous, or uncomfortable in any way, exit the sauna immediately. It’s important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard.
Your sauna should be at a temperature between 150 degrees Fahrenheit and 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Start on the cooler side, and then work your way up to hotter temperatures.
If you get a SISU sauna, you can control the temperature of your sauna between 110 degrees Fahrenheit - 230 degrees Fahrenheit directly from its mobile app, tailoring to your health and relaxation needs.
It is generally recommended to start around five to ten minutes in the sauna at a time if you’re a beginner. Regular sauna users may spend around 15-20 minutes in the sauna. Learn what sauna duration is best for you and your goals.
The amount of time spent in a sauna may differ for everyone. You may find that heat therapy every day is wonderful for your mental health. Or, you may find that you struggle with lots of exposure to heat, and once or twice a week is suitable for you. Listen to your body, and find the right balance of sauna therapy that works for you and your goals.
While in the sauna, and even before or after your sauna experience, you may consider adding deep breathing or meditation routines to your sauna practice. The combination of heat therapy with these other relaxing practices will help boost your mental health and even further lessen symptoms of anxiety or depression.
While it is important to not suddenly shock your body by giving it a drastic temperature change right away, taking a cold shower after spending time in the sauna will help remove toxins from your skin that were sweat out during the sauna session. The cold will also give you enhanced mental clarity and feelings of alertness.
While saunas can certainly have a positive impact on your mental health and stress and anxiety symptoms, it should not be considered a fix-all solution to these issues. When done in conjunction with counseling, sauna therapy can be a very effective practice for reducing stress and anxiety symptoms.
Additionally, pairing sauna therapy with other holistic practices for your mental health including diet and exercise changes, meditation, deep breathing, and other calming practices will help reduce your feelings of stress and anxiety.
While the research on sauna use for anxiety is still in its early stages, the results so far are promising. Sauna therapy could potentially offer a natural and holistic approach to managing anxiety symptoms. However, it's important to remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment for anxiety.
With its potential to promote relaxation, reduce muscle tension, and improve sleep, sauna therapy could be a valuable tool in your anxiety management toolkit. So why not give it a try? You might just find that it's the stress-relief solution you've been searching for.
True anxiety relief comes from consistency—and SISU Lifestyle makes that effortless. Our saunas don't just fit any space (apartments, backyards, home gyms, and more), they fit your life.
In just a few hours with our guided assembly, you can transform your corner of the world into an anxiety-relieving sanctuary. Because the best wellness tool is the one you'll actually use every day. Browse all saunas.
