SAUNA + COLD PLUNGE
One of the most powerful health hacks is surrounding yourself with like-minded, health-conscious individuals. When you're with people who genuinely care about their long-term health and want to engage in wellness activities together, it supercharges your own motivation and commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
Engaging in these activities builds unique connections. Just as sports bring people closer through shared goals and challenges, the same camaraderie can be found in practices like cold plunging and sauna sessions. There’s something about enduring the heat or braving the cold together that strengthens bonds, creating a supportive, uplifting community focused on wellness.
So this holiday season, find someone you care about and invite them to brave the cold and heat with you! You'll notice that some of the best conversations can happen in a sauna with some friends or when chatting together after a cold plunge while still shivering.
SAUNA + COLD PLUNGE WITH FRIENDS
SAUNA + COLD PLUNGE BENEFITS
If you are a science nerd + health nut then just check out some of these research-supported facts below for some more motivation:
SAUNA BENEFITS:
1. Improved Cardiovascular Health:
Regular sauna use is associated with a 63% lower risk of sudden cardiac death and a 50% lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality in men who used saunas 4-7 times per week. (Source: Laukkanen et al., 2015)
2. Enhanced Recovery and Muscle Health:
A post-exercise sauna can increase heat shock proteins, improving muscle repair and recovery. (Source: Gibson et al., 2020)
3. Longevity + Reduced All-Cause Mortality:
Frequent sauna use (4-7 times per week) is linked to a 40% reduction in all-cause mortality. (Source: Laukkanen et al., 2018)
4. Improved Mood and Brain Function:
Increases levels of beta-endorphins and norepinephrine, which can boost mood and focus. (Source: Crinnion, 2011)
5. Detoxification and Skin Health:
Promotes sweating, which facilitates the excretion of heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and arsenic. (Source: Sears et al., 2022)
6. Boosted Immune Function:
Sauna use may increase white blood cell counts, improving the body’s ability to fight infections. (Source: Ernst et al., 1990)
COLD PLUNGE BENEFITS:
1. Accelerated Recovery:
Reduces muscle soreness by 96 hours post-exercise, particularly in endurance athletes. (Source: Leeder et al., 2012)
2. Enhanced Immune Response:
Regular cold exposure increases the count and activity of cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells, supporting immune health. (Source: Kox et al., 2014)
3. Reduced Inflammation:
Cold water immersion significantly decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β and TNF-α. (Source: Peake et al., 2017)
4. Improved Mental Resilience and Mood:
Triggers the release of norepinephrine by 200-300%, reducing depression symptoms and boosting mental clarity. (Source: Shevchuk, 2008)
5. Increased Metabolism:
Activates brown adipose tissue (BAT), leading to a **350% increase in metabolic rate**. (Source: van der Lans et al., 2013)
6. Better Sleep Quality:
Post-immersion studies report enhanced parasympathetic activity, promoting deeper and more restorative sleep. (Source: Douzi et al., 2019)
7. Pain Relief:
Cold water immersion can reduce nerve transmission of pain signals, providing temporary pain relief for musculoskeletal injuries. (Source: Costello et al., 2015)
