Can I take a sauna in the summer? – article was born out of a discussion I had with another Finnish sauna lunatic. We both asked why so many foreigners or Finns living abroad do not take a sauna in the summer. I decided to write down a few things that came to my mind during and after the conversation.
Can I take a sauna in the summer?
Many foreigners think that it is insane to take a sauna in the summer. Those Finns are crazy, “die spinnen die Finnen” as they say here in Germany.
Well, if you ask the 5 million Finns, they will tell you that “yes, you can take a sauna in the summer”. Many foreigners or Finns living abroad do not like to take a sauna in the summer because they think it is too hot. They do not feel like going to the heat of the sauna after a day in the hot sun.
I have quite a different opinion about that. I think there is nothing better than taking a sauna after a hot day. All the sweat and dirt you from the day is washed away in the sauna.
Is it always cold in Finland?
Some foreigners think that it is always cold in Finland, even in the summer. Sometimes this is true but not always. Due to climate change, the temperature in Finland can reach over +30 degrees Celsius.
Could the colder weather be an explanation why Finns take a sauna in the summer? Maybe. Or perhaps it is because the sauna used to be the only place where people washed. Sauna day was the one day in the week where people properly washed.
The reasons might be unclear, but we Finns are very used to taking a sauna in the summer.
And what would a summer cottage be without a sauna? Well, nothing!
Sauna in the summer
Last summer, I wrote an article about my own summer sauna memories. I told how we as kids (we were under the age of 10) took a sauna without any adult supervision. We checked the weather and heated the sauna. We also took a sauna on hot days. Everything over +22 degrees felt like a heatwave to us. We went swimming even though it was only +19 degrees. I must say I was quite tough back then because now I never swim if it is below +20 degrees.
The main purpose of this article is to gather information about the subject. I also want to tell everyone, Finnish people, foreigners, winter sauna-goers, that it is ok to have a sauna in the summer. It is quite normal.
Especially German sauna worlds are empty in the summer. In the winter, the sauna worlds completely full. So, I do think there is some truth in the results of my empirical research.
Many Germans say that they don’t want to take a sauna in the summer. For example, my own German husband and “mother-in-law” say that a sauna once a week is enough for the summertime. In winter we take a sauna twice a week. I would love to have a sauna every night whether it is summer or winter!
Why take a sauna in the summer?
It is a good idea to take a sauna 4-7 times a week (also in the summer) if you want to receive all the health effects of the sauna. I have listed some of them here:
- The sauna relaxes and cleanses.
- The sauna prevents and manages stress.
- Sauna improves sleep quality, especially deep sleep.
- The sauna moisturizes the skin. Especially those with skin diseases can benefit from taking a sauna.
- The sauna raises the heart rate (but does not replace exercise).
- The sauna makes it easier for those suffering from chronic diseases.
- Sauna improves mental health with sociality and community (especially public saunas).
- The sauna relaxes muscles and muscle aches.
Why is it a good idea to have a sauna in the summer?
- You can make your own sauna whisk from fresh leaves.
- The water in the lake or sea is nice and warm.
- You can cool off on the terrace or balcony for longer periods.
- You have more light.
What to consider when taking a sauna in the summer:
- Remember to keep hydrated throughout the day as well as in the sauna.
Can I take a sauna in the summer? – article is written with a little bit of humour. It is not to be taken too seriously and should serve as a conversation starter.
Do you take a sauna in the summer?
If not, can I ask why?
