Saunas are a great addition to a wellness routine for both your body and mind; but they can be dangerous if not used properly!

Don’t Overcook Yourself

The longer you stay in your sauna, the bigger your risk of dehydration and other effects. If you’re new to saunas, start off small – about 5-10 minutes at a time. No matter your experience level, try and cap your time at 15 to 20 minutes.

Or, take your advice from the godfathers of saunas – the Finnish. They advise that saunas are for relaxing, not just counting down the minutes. Leave the sauna once you feel hot enough – easy enough to remember!

Rest After Exercise Before Your Sauna

After strenuous exercise, you need to let your heart rate come down to resting levels before going into the sauna – generally about 10 minutes.

Avoid Where Alcohol is Concerned

If you’ve recently been drinking alcohol, avoid the sauna. Alcohol increases the risk of dehydration, hypotension, arrhythmia, and sudden death syndrome – not worth it!

Stay Hydrated

You’re purposely increasing your body temperature – meaning you’re going to sweat. Prolonged exposure will result in lost fluids, so it’s important to keep yourself topped up by drinking water before, during and after your sauna session.

Be Aware of Other Conditions

If you’re ill, avoid the sauna until you’re recovered. Pregnant women or those with medical conditions such as low blood pressure or history of heart attacks should consult their doctor before using a sauna.

Bring a Friend

Not only does this make the sauna session more sociable, you have someone there if problems do occur.

Take off Jewellery

Metal jewellery will heat up in a sauna, and can cause irritation or even burning!

Cool Down Afterwards

The risks of saunas don’t disappear once you step out – you need to lie or sit down for at least 10 minutes, and then take a cold shower or dip in a plunge pool to bring your body temperature down to normal levels.

By following just a few simple steps (and some common sense!) you can safely enjoy the health benefits that comes with regular sauna sessions! If you’re deciding whether a home sauna is for you, Download our Free Sauna Buyer’s Guide and view the full range of indoor and outdoor saunas available online now!