Infrared saunas have become a wellness favorite, offering deep relaxation and multiple health benefits by using infrared light to penetrate the skin without the intense heat of traditional saunas. Popular among fitness enthusiasts and those seeking holistic detox solutions, these saunas provide a peaceful way to unwind.
One thing that infrared sauna users should always avoid is bringing in their electronics, like their smartphone, tablet, electronic watch, or laptop. Keep reading to find out why you shouldn’t use electronics in an infrared sauna. Learn what you can do instead to fill your time during your sauna session.
Understanding Infrared Saunas
Before we dive into sauna etiquette and tips, let’s review the basics of infrared units. Infrared saunas use infrared light to generate heat, directly warming the body rather than the surrounding air. This approach differentiates infrared saunas from traditional units, which rely on high ambient temperatures to induce sweating.
The gentle heat of infrared saunas penetrates deeper into the skin, enhancing circulation, promoting detoxification, and aiding in muscle recovery. Operating at lower temperatures, infrared saunas provide a comfortable, accessible experience, especially for those who find the intense heat of traditional saunas overwhelming.
The Health Benefits of Infrared Saunas
There are many wellness benefits to including an infrared sauna session in your wellness regiment. Whether you’re an athlete nursing sore muscles or you just want a quiet time of solitude, using an infrared sauna can help your mind and body in many ways.
- Detoxification: Infrared saunas are excellent for detoxing your body. Sweating in an infrared sauna expels toxins like heavy metals, pollutants, and chemicals. This natural cleansing process boosts your immune system.
- Improved circulation: Infrared heat enhances blood flow by dilating blood vessels, improving circulation. This increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients more efficiently, promoting healing and overall wellness. Better circulation also supports cardiovascular health and recovery.
- Muscle and joint relief: The soothing heat of an infrared sauna calms sore muscles and eases stiff joints. Whether you’re recovering from a workout or dealing with chronic pain, infrared heat relaxes your body and promotes faster recovery. The boost to your body’s blood circulation also delivers more oxygen to aching muscles and joints for quicker recovery and relief.
- Mental clarity and relaxation: The calming warmth of infrared saunas reduces stress and encourages mental clarity, leaving you feeling more balanced and focused after each session. Taking time for a meditative infrared sauna session to relieve stress and anxiety can do wonders for your mental health.
Why Electronics Don’t Belong in Your Sauna
A mistake that too many people make with their infrared saunas is bringing electronics to their sessions. Let’s examine why you shouldn’t use electronics in an infrared sauna.
EMF Exposure Risks
Electronics emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which can disrupt the therapeutic environment of an infrared sauna. While saunas maintain low EMF levels for user safety, bringing in external devices increases EMF exposure. This additional interference can reduce the restorative benefits of the sauna and, in some cases, pose health risks.
Heat and Humidity Damage
Most electronic devices can’t withstand the high heat and humidity levels of a sauna. Prolonged exposure can cause devices to overheat, leading to permanent damage or malfunction. In some cases, overheating batteries could even create safety risks for users.
Distractions From Wellness
Using electronics in a sauna also undermines the sense of relaxation and rejuvenation the experience provides. Screen time overstimulates the brain, making it harder to mentally disconnect and enjoy a peaceful environment. This distraction reduces the mental and emotional benefits of your sauna session, turning it into yet another screen-heavy moment.
Boost Your Sauna Experience Without Electronics
Instead of bringing your smartphone or tablet into your infrared sauna, explore the many other ways to pass the time and maximize the benefits of your session.
Meditate for Mindfulness and Relaxation
Meditation is a fantastic way to make the most of your sauna session. The soothing heat helps you focus on deep breathing, making it easier to enter a meditative state.
If you’re new to meditation, try repeating a mantra in your head or simply observing your surroundings in the sauna. With an outdoor infrared sauna two-person unit, you can view the outdoors and let nature relax your mind and body.
Set the Mood With Calming Music
Create a tranquil atmosphere by listening to calming music or nature sounds. Many infrared saunas come with built-in sound systems so you can enjoy a serene playlist without needing your phone. Close your eyes, relax, and let the gentle heat transport you to a peaceful mental space.
Lose Yourself in a Good Book
For book lovers, bringing a physical book or magazine into the sauna can be a wonderful way to disconnect from screens. Immerse yourself in a great story or learn something new, but be sure to choose materials that can handle the slightly humid conditions.
Reflect and Recharge With Journaling
If you’ve always wanted to journal but don’t feel like you ever have the time, consider doing so during your infrared sauna session. Journaling in the warm, calming environment of a sauna is a great way to clear your mind. Use the time to jot down your thoughts, set daily goals, or write a gratitude list.
Other Sauna Etiquette To Keep in Mind
Besides avoiding electronics, there are other etiquette rules for an infrared sauna session, whether you’re in a personal or public unit. The tips below will help you maximize the benefits of the session, remain courteous to others, and keep the sauna clean.
Hydrate Beforehand
Infrared saunas can induce heavy sweating, so hydrate before and after your session. Drinking plenty of water helps replenish fluids lost during detoxification and prevents dehydration.
Shower Before Entering
To maintain a clean sauna environment, shower beforehand. Removing lotions, oils, and perfumes also helps to prevent clogged pores when you start sweating.
Avoid Food or Drinks
Bringing food or beverages into the sauna is a bad idea. It’s not just about hygiene; eating or drinking can increase your body’s workload as it digests, reducing the detoxification benefits of your session.
Say No to Harsh Skincare Products
Avoid applying harsh skincare products before or during your sauna session. The heat can amplify their effects, potentially irritating your skin or making it extra sensitive. Stick to clean, bare skin to get the full benefits of sweating and detoxifying.
Enjoy an Infrared Sauna With Health Mate
Infrared saunas provide profound health and wellness benefits in a natural, calming environment, offering an opportunity to disconnect and embrace mindfulness. Health Mate specializes in top-of-the-line infrared saunas with low-EMF designs, helping you unwind and improve your well-being. Explore our range today, and start your journey to better health and relaxation.