The cardiovascular benefits of infrared saunas can also be felt. As the heat makes our body temperature rise and our blood vessels dilate, our heart rate rapidly increases too. Studies have shown that our heart rates can increase from 60-70 beats per minute to 110-120 beats per minute while in a sauna, followed by a drop to below normal after we have cooled down. Using an infrared sauna regularly can help to improve our heart rate, and therefore our heart muscles, helping to improve our own natural regulatory system. By rapidly changing your body temperature, such as when having multiple sauna sessions with cold showers in between, your heart rate can increase by up to 60%, which can be similar to that experienced when exercising.

The combined increase in heart rate and body temperature can help to release endorphins in your body, which are your own natural feel-good chemicals that are often released during exercise, when having sex, or when eating spicy foods. They can also be released whenever we feel stress, pain or fear. They can block pain, but they can also provide us with feelings of great pleasure. Many sauna users find that they experience a positive feeling similar to the post workout feeling following an exercise session in the gym. As the body cools, the refreshing feeling of relaxation can lead to a release of endorphins, which can also help to promote a more positive sense of well being.

Using a sauna not only makes you feel good, but it is great for your body and mind. Psychologically, spending time in a calming, relaxing environment can have a great positive impact on our mind. In addition to this, our bodies can benefit from increased blood circulation, an improved heart rate, healthier, more relaxed muscles, less toxins, a better internal regulatory system, and a stronger natural immune system. There are so many benefits of having a sauna, both physically and mentally, so much so that we can’t recommend them enough.

A sauna feels great and can be a wonderful retreat where we can restore and relax our bodies and souls. Being able to get away from it all once in a while can have many benefits to our health and well being.

With our everyday lives being so busy and hectic there is always so much to do, whether we are at work or at home, the ‘to-do’ list is never-ending. We are always finding ourselves frantically trying to get everything done in time to meet constant deadlines for our boss, our colleagues, our husband or wife, our friends, or our children, and we can often be left feeling frustrated by life’s demands. With so much pressure on us all the time and with technology keeping us connected 24/7, the overwhelming feeling of never being able to escape this pressure can lead to a huge amount of stress. Stress levels are on the rise and this increase can lead to many health problems and illnesses, both physically and mentally.

A small amount of stress can be good for us, by motivating us to do well at something and helping us to perform well whilst under pressure. However, the constant negative effects of stress can build up over time without us even noticing. Whilst we become used to running on empty and our stress becoming a way of life, burning the candle at both ends can only last so long before our bodies and minds pay the price. Many people do not even realise how much stress is affecting them as we become so used to the feeling of being stressed, but eventually this can take a toll on our lives if we don’t do something to change this. With frequent illness, dizziness, nausea, anxiety, depression, irritability, lack of sleep and memory problems being just a few of the negative physical and mental health problems that stress can cause, it is no wonder that businesses have seen an increase in the number of days off that their staff are taking, due to stress related illness.

So it is not surprising then, that many sauna users proclaim that stress reduction is one of the biggest benefits of having a sauna. Being able to release stress and tension can be one of the benefits of infrared saunas at any time of the day and this deep state of relaxation can help to relax your mind as well as your body, leaving you feeling revived and ready for the day ahead.  Feel your muscles unwind and all that tension fade away as you enjoy the moment of pure relaxation. Close your eyes and feel the heat on your skin as you imagine lying on a hot sandy beach somewhere tropical. There is nothing quite as relaxing as having your own little bit of sunshine, especially during the winter months. This warm heat can help to improve circulation, relax your muscles and help to release the body’s endorphins, making you feel good whilst minimising pain and muscle soreness.