Part 6&7: Benefits of Saunas, Red-light Therapy, & Exercise

BENEFITS OF SAUNAS, RED LIGHT THERAPY AND EXERCISE

The sun plays a big part in our general health especially during the winter when we don’t see as much sun. The sun is a huge immune-system booster for our bodies especially that it’s a great way to receive Vitamin D; supplements also help support our immune system during the winter. Interesting enough, countries or states that have full sun even during the winter months see a decrease in illnesses and colds.

We also notice during the winter we sleep longer hours, either or body is needing rest for such heavy meals and foods we ate during the holidays or simply the winter blues, which is primarily due to lack of sunlight, this can cause symptoms of depression, including fatigue and sleepiness.

So, what can help? A hot bath, sauna or steam, or red-light therapy is great for detoxing your body!!

Hot Baths or Steam baths: have good respiratory benefits as it helps clear nasal passages and relieves congestion. Good Hydration benefits which help with dry skin and respiratory system. Also helps with muscle relaxation, reduces tension and alleviates aches. Lastly, these baths reduce stress reduction by just resting in a hot bath and increases skin health by opening pores, aids in removing dirt and toxins.
Saunas: Saunas are great for detoxification as it promotes sweating which helps the body flush out toxins. The heat from the sauna also improves circulation which alleviates stiffness and tension. It enhances immune function by increasing the production of white blood cells, which are vital for fighting off illnesses that are more common in winter. Lastly, saunas are great for stress relief as it helps reduces cortisol levels (hormone associated with stress).
Red-light therapy: Red-light has recently become the new “buzz word” of today especially when it comes to detoxing, and I don’t blame them! There are great benefits to red-light therapy such as boosting circulation by stimulating circulation and delivering oxygen and nutrients to the tissue. It also improves mood, especially during the winter months where many are faced with SAD- Seasonal Affective Disorder due to less sunlight on the body. It also supports skin health and relieves pain and inflammation by speeding up tissue repair.

All these therapies help address various aspects of health that can be affected by the winter season. Overall, they support circulation, skin health, immunity, and muscle relaxation while also helping alleviate the emotional effects of shorter and colder weather.

EXERCISE / MOVEMENT

Unfortunately, for most of us during the winter we spend more time indoors due to the winter weather and therefore, reduces our movements or willing to work out; but there are good benefits as it helps our bodies to rest and recover so it is important to take advantage of that and be mindful of making healthy food choices and staying hydrated. Now, although we may not have the stamina to go workout in cold season it is important to remember the benefits it has during this season.

Overall, exercise and movement helps boost our mood and energy, supports our immune function, circulation and joint health, and enhances sleep quality. These are all powerful incentives to maintain both physical and mental well-being in the winter.