Life priorities tend to start changing as we reach our early 20’s. The time has come to make some fairly large life decisions. It’s time to forge a career and consider future progression while thinking of leaving the security of home which brings its own anxieties regarding finances and mortgages. As we progress into our 30’s, many of us have families which involves added responsibilities as we find ourselves being depended upon. Weddings and children take centre stage and as well as being a fulfilling and busy period in our lives, it can also come with financial worries and problems!
But in recent times, we have become more aware of the importance of the work/life balance and of taking time out to concentrate on ourselves to escape from everyday stresses. It’s an age where we can often afford some sort of gym or spa membership and we can also aspire to adventure further and visit destination spas to experience more holisitic and spiritual rituals in relaxed surroundings. Yoga and meditation are well known to help rest the mind and centre the body, bringing focus back onto mental and physical wellbeing.
Thermal wellbeing plays an important part in helping to alleviate everyday stress, with sauna bathing known to help reduce blood pressure. Medical evidence has found that people who take regular saunas have lower rates of cardiovascular disease and fewer problems with everything from lung disease to mental health issues.
Thermal bathing can also improve circulation as the blood cells dilate, increasing the oxygen levels around the body. High temperatures in saunas release endorphins in the body which are the body’s natural painkillers, sometimes referred to as happy hormones! As well as making you feel good in general, they can also help ease aches and pains and relieve muscle soreness after intense exercise. Adding fragrances to the sauna or steam can also help change your mood, helping to relax or reinvigorate, calm or refresh. Some fragrances can also help to relieve coughs and colds as well as headaches and migraines.
Taking a sauna or a steam bath with a friend, a partner or with family offers quality time together with a chance to put your phones and tech away and have a digital detox. Putting down your phone in this age when we are constantly available by text, whatsapp and email, means that we can switch off.
Kelo Sauna Room by Dröm UK
So whilst we are living a more stressful life these days, making use of warmth and water, like our ancestors have done for years, can help us to relax and concentrate on what is truly important. It helps to ease stress and allows us to live our lives to our best ability.
image courtesy of Pennyhill Park Spa, Bagshot, Surrey