Sauna & wellness as an anti-depressant

On Monday 17 January 2022, it’s Blue Monday, supposedly the most depressing day of the year. It’s a term coined in 2005 by British psychologist Cliff Arnall, who believes people feel at their lowest on this Monday. In the beginning of January, everyone still has many New Year’s resolutions, but by Blue Monday most of these have already fallen by the wayside. Holidays seem a long way off and it’s still dark for most of the day.

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Here, we give you some reasons as to why having a sauna can help boost your mood.

Endorphins

There is a special group of neurons in our brains that’s sensitive to heat. Having a sauna triggers the release of endorphins, which have a pain-relieving effect, give you an energy boost and make you feel good and relaxed. They also help you sleep well.

Serotonin

An increase in body temperature stimulates the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects your mood, among other things. It’s also known as the ‘happiness hormone’. Just what you need on dark winter days!

Melatonin

Having a sauna also boosts the production of melatonin, the sleep-promoting hormone that helps you get a better night’s sleep. What’s more, this effect lasts for several days.

Sauna for a good mood?

Finally, let’s not forget that while you are having a sauna, you are also having a bit of a digital detox, so your stress levels are lowered for a while. Plus, there is less exposure to other external stimuli too, which helps calm your mind.

But remember, be careful if you are taking any medication. Make sure to always check with your doctor first whether it’s safe for you to have a sauna.