Sauna, a small room used for a steam bath or hot air, was invented in Finland hundreds of years ago. While saunas provide relaxation and relieve muscle soreness or blockages, they can be expensive to use in a gym or health club. However, if you want the warmth and relaxation you get from a sauna, you're in luck. With just a few items at hand, you can create a sauna environment in your own bathroom. It only takes a few minutes to gather the items you need and start taking advantage of the steamy sauna environment.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Preparing the Room
Step 1. Raise the top reach of your water heater
To increase the amount of hot water available to your sauna, temporarily increase the upper range of the water heater to around 60 degrees Celsius.
Be sure to lower the water heater to a safe range of 50 to 55 degrees Celsius after the sauna is over to avoid sunburn and scalding
Step 2. Choose a bathroom
You should choose the smallest bathroom in the house because it will be easier to retain heat and steam there than in a larger room.
Since you want to create a high-temperature sauna environment as much as possible, choose a bathroom in a warmer home environment, if possible
Step 3. Clean the room
Looking around and finding dirty clothes or a messy bathroom counter will spoil any relaxation event in an instant. Wipe all bathroom surfaces and remove clutter or dirty clothes and towels from the room.
Store needed items such as cotton swabs and earplugs in a matching basket or tin as simple as in a luxury spa
Step 4. Set the bathroom light to dim and light some candles
You can create a relaxing atmosphere like in a sauna or spa environment by removing too much light and adding a soothing scent of vanilla, lavender, or lemon candles.
- Other soothing aromatherapy scents include rose geranium, chamomile, and langon kleri (clary sage).
- If you don't want to deal with candles, aromatherapy oils can be placed in a bathtub or diffuser. Essential oils in various scents, including jasmine, rose, and sandalwood are widely available in the market.
Step 5. Close the bathroom doors and windows
To keep as much steam in the bathroom as possible, you should also seal any cracks and close your linen closet door, if any.
Step 6. Use a towel to cover the leaking part
Place a heavy, thick roll of towel along the bottom of the door. This is especially important when it is cold outside.
- If there is a cupboard in the bathroom, place a roll of towels along the bottom of the door as well.
- The more insulation there is, the more you can imitate the sauna environment.
Step 7. Close the curtains or window blinds
Then use a towel to cover the air around the window.
Method 2 of 2: Experience the Sauna
Step 1. Take a shower before starting the sauna
It's a good idea to start with a clean body to enhance your sauna experience.
- Bathing will remove all layers of oil on the surface of the skin, which can inhibit the sweating process.
- Washing your body will also remove any makeup or product that can run off your face and eyes during the sauna, causing irritation.
Step 2. Remove jewelry and glasses or contact lenses
Letting go of these things can help you relax even more.
- Jewelry can become warm to the point where it is uncomfortable to wear in a sauna environment.
- Mist can cover the glasses making them useless when you are enjoying the sauna.
Step 3. Close or plug the tub drain and turn on the hot water
Now you are ready to experience the sauna at home.
- Turn the hot water handle as high as possible.
- You can turn on the bottom tap or use the shower to fill the tub.
- If you are using aromatherapy oils, you can add a few drops to the bath. The aroma will spread throughout the room.
- Leave the curtain or shower door open to allow hot air and steam to fill the room.
Step 4. Turn off the water after 15 minutes or when the tub is half filled
If the hot water runs out prematurely, turn off the water. You don't want to dilute the generated steam with cooler water.
Step 5. Sit next to the tub and enjoy the steam that has filled the room
You can lean back slightly to breathe in any steam that may be escaping from the water in a filled bathtub.
- This is the perfect time to close your eyes and clear your mind.
- The Finnish sauna tradition promotes wellness and relaxation, so try to take advantage of this time to lower your stress levels.
Step 6. Continue your sauna with a warm or cold shower
This will gradually lower your body temperature. It also follows the way people usually do in a sauna in the cool-down phase, either in a cold pool or shower.
- After cooling off, continue bathing by washing your body as usual, using shower gel or soap.
- End the shower by applying a moisturizer or lotion to further treat and soften your skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Place a cool damp washcloth near you during your sauna experience. These wipes can be used in case you start to feel too hot or dizzy.
- Make sure you drink plenty of water after the sauna to restore fluids lost through sweat.
- Leave the room if you start to feel very dizzy or lightheaded. Listen to your body and don't force yourself to hold on any longer.
- Do not take drugs or alcohol in the sauna. You probably won't even notice when you're hot. If you're taking prescription medications, talk to your doctor about using a hot or steamy room.
- Pregnant women and people with heart problems should consult a doctor before using commercial saunas or homemade saunas.
