For Finns, sauna has always been a natural place to slow down, let your thoughts settle and your body relax. The warmth of the sauna elevates your heart rate and increases your circulation, and soft steam often helps with stuffy nose or an annoying headache. Sauna is also the perfect place to focus on social well-being. Time spent together in the steam of the sauna is often quiet and effortless, and for that very reason especially meaningful. Sauna is not meant to be a performance or an accomplishment but slowing down and listening to your own body are part of the experience.Für uns Finnen war die Sauna schon immer ein natürlicher Ort, um einen Moment innezuhalten, die Gedanken schweifen zu lassen und Körper und Geist zur Ruhe kommen zu lassen. Die Wärme der Sauna erhöht die Herzfrequenz und regt die Durchblutung an, und sanfte Aufgüsse helfen oft sowohl bei einer verstopften Nase als auch bei Kopfschmerzen. Auch für das soziale Wohlbefinden spielt die Sauna eine wichtige Rolle. Die gemeinsame Zeit in der Sauna ist oft ruhig und ungezwungen und gerade deshalb besonders wertvoll. Ein Saunagang soll keine Leistung sein, sondern eine Gelegenheit, das Tempo zu drosseln und auf den eigenen Körper zu hören.
Well-being is indeed the sum of several things, and because in the sauna both physical, mental and social well-being meet naturally, going to sauna regularly can easily become one of the things that carry us through everyday life. Nothing beats an evening in the sauna after a hectic day, but a carefully planned sauna experience can be the highlight of the weekend or a celebration.
With small additions, the ordinary home sauna is easy to transform into a spa-level wellness oasis for both everyday moments and special occasions. Here are some tips on how to succeed!
1. Soft textiles
The spa atmosphere starts even before the sauna is heated. Lush towels and bathrobes are the perfect way to bring a hint of luxury into the sauna, and when it comes to textiles it is best to invest in quality materials. Linen and cotton are timeless classics that are durable and do not wear out quickly with use. In addition to regular washing up, you can slip a pouch of lavender in the linen closet or spray refreshing scent on the towels. When the textiles are soft, clean, scented, and beautiful, you will feel like you are staying in a hotel (without the bill from room service).
2. Soak your feet before the sauna
While you wait for the sauna to heat up, you can enjoy a refreshing foot bath. Fill a bucket or a basin with warm water, add sea salt and a couple of drops of essential oils, for example lavender or peppermint. You can also enhance the mini foot treatment by placing smooth stones on the bottom of the basin and massage the soles of your feet against them. A footbath before the steam relaxes nicely and makes the whole sauna experience even more enjoyable.
3. Facemask and haircare
Going to sauna regularly has quite a few health benefits. Among other things, it relaxes the body, increases circulation, and improves the well-being of your skin. The best time for a moisturizing facemask during the sauna is right after the steam when your pores have opened in the heat. You can also give some extra attention to your hair, for example with a hair mask while you are in the sauna. If you want more organic luxury, honey is great for both your hair and face.
Read more about sauna's health benefits here.
4. Aromatherapy from sauna scents
Scents have a surprisingly big effect on the sauna experience. In addition to clean towels, you can bring pleasant aroma into the sauna with a traditional birch whisk or with different kinds of sauna scents. Put a few drops of eucalyptus, lavender, or lemon into the sauna water before throwing it on the heater. Scents can relax and refresh, but remember to only add a small amount. Too much scent can make the steam feel uncomfortable!
5. Drinks in beautiful glasses
A selection of sauna drinks and thoughtful presentation put the finishing touches to the sauna moment. For example, you can serve some cucumber water, herbal tea, or berry mocktail from elegant glassware. Flashier glasses make even the most ordinary drink stand out.
When these five things have been taken care of, the sauna is transformed into a mini vacation amid everyday life. Turn down the lighting or light candles, put on some calming music, and your home spa is ready.