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Holistic Mental Health Series: Community Saunas

Sep 22, 2024

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As part of this series, I am exploring ways we can support our mental health and well-being outside of the therapy room -  highlighting activities and practices that help us connect with our physical body and tap into creativity, community and more. Some of these practices may already be part of your routine, some you may be intrigued by, others may not be for you. As a Londoner, most activities will be London-based, although that isn’t to say that many options can’t be found wherever you are.  



A friend introduced me to the Community Sauna in Hackney in 2023, and having been sceptical of his obsession, was quickly converted, even by the cold plunges, leaving the sauna feeling relaxed yet energised. This could be because cold exposure activates our fight or flight response (and you can get out of the cold plunge whenever you want), boosting adrenaline, while the heat from the sauna encourages the release of endorphins that can reduce cortisol levels. This ‘training’ of the nervous system supposedly has many health benefits, but regardless, many people swear by cold water swimming and saunas for their wellbeing. 



Hot ‘baths’ have been used since Roman times, but modern day sauna culture originates in Finland (and Scandinavia more broadly). However, the sauna scene in the UK has exploded in recent years, with three popping up in south east London alone in the last few months. While many people have experienced gym saunas, the community sauna experience is quite different. Nestled in community spaces, gardens, and courtyards, walking in feels a bit like stepping into another world, away from the hustle and bustle of London life, into one filled with multiple traditional wood-heated saunas of different sizes and heat levels, and ice baths to dip in to between saunas. Whether you want to socialise with strangers, catch up with friends or take some quiet time out to meditate for an hour or two, this is a safe space to do so. Plus, there are often queer, trans and LGBTQ+ centred slots and events, in addition to traditional sauna rituals such as Aufguss, and meditation and cold water exposure training.



There are a multitude of proposed mental and physical health benefits to sauna and cold plunge (although extensive research has not been conducted across all of these). The alternation between hot and cold boosts blood circulation and some studies suggest it reduces the risk of various health conditions. Some studies have shown that this process of alternating between hot and cold can help the immune system, improve mood, and reduce anxiety. Community saunas are also relatively affordable, offering unwaged rates and allocated sessions for social prescribing. Check out Community Sauna Baths for more information and to find locations near you.


Disclaimer: If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, always consult your doctor before entering extreme temperatures, and always follow the sauna advice of the professionals onsite. 







Sep 22, 2024

2 min read

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13

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