Wellness Tips Archives

9 Winter Health Tips to Stay Healthy This Season

Winter has begun, which means the cold weather is here! The cold has long been associated with getting sick as people spend more time indoors in close quarters, immune systems are lowered, stress is increased, and healthy habits sometimes go out the door. But winter doesn’t have to mean a season of sickness! Read on to find ways to stay healthy this season with these winter health tips – from eating healthy meals among winter treats to protecting your body from winter colds.

Detoxify

One of the most useful winter health tips is detoxification. There are many benefits of detoxification, such as the elimination of toxins and chemicals, ease of muscle soreness, and general relaxation. Sweating is one of the main forms of detoxification. Either hit the gym or use an infrared sauna for a deep sweat session that will leave you feeling healthier this winter season. An infrared sauna will take your detox to the next level with a slew of other health benefits such as reduced stress, improved skin health, a boosted immune system, and of course, a great way to stay warm – all great things for winter health.

Stay Warm

Getting sick in the winter is a common occurrence, and it may partially be caused by the cold. Some viruses spread more easily in cold air, and being cold may have an adverse impact on your immune system. One way to help keep your body healthy is by keeping warm. Luckily, this means you also get to be more comfortable! When you’re outside, wear appropriate clothing, and make sure your extremities are well protected. You can also keep warm by having a session in an infrared sauna, which will make you warm while boosting your immune system. Cozying up next to the fire, enjoying warm foods, holding a mug of warm tea, and exercising can also help.

Exercise

Apart from the warmth, exercise is one of the top ways to stay healthy regardless of the season. With large, indulgent meals and the desire to just sit in front of the fire, it’s easy to fall off the workout wagon. Exercising doesn’t just help you stay in shape physically, it can also help you stay in shape mentally. Movement helps boost endorphins, which is especially helpful in the winter when many experience Seasonal Affective Disorder. Get active for 30 minutes every day, whether that means taking a stroll outside or hitting the gym. This way, you can stay happy and get your blood pumping.

Eat Well

The winter is full of warm and cozy treats that can be hard to ignore. This winter season, indulge in moderation and consider a detox after. Try to keep the decadent treats to a minimum, and make sure you have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to get your daily dose of vitamins. Take the time to plan out meals a few days in advance, focus on lighter fare that allows you to take advantage of local farmer’s markets and seasonal items, and eat as healthy as possible to support your overall mission of good health and wellness over the winter. Sure, you can indulge here and there, but it feels a lot better to eat healthfully than to overeat.

Get Rest

With the winter months being some of the most hectic for many, rest is one of the most important winter health tips. This season, take time to rest and relax to recharge your body. Whether it’s an hour to read your favorite book or ensuring you get the proper number of hours of sleep every night, rest is important for brain function, mood, and even cardiovascular health. Between work, social engagements, and life in general, it is important to make time for yourself and take it easy to let your body heal and recuperate. Work rest and sleep into your daily routine to get your body on a healthy schedule.

Step Outside

Depending on where you are, the weather outside may be frightful, but the benefits of going outside are so delightful. Spending some time outside is linked to many benefits that may affect your mental health during the winter, such as boosting creativity and concentration, fighting Seasonal Affective Disorder, improving your mood, reducing stress, and preventing cabin fever. Don’t get the winter blues stuck inside, bundle up and go outside for your mental health. Always be sure to check the weather beforehand and wear appropriate clothing, stay hydrated, and stay warm to prevent catching a cold!

Meditate

Quieting your mind in the winter may seem like a difficult task when you’re still recovering from the holidays and starting to plan the year ahead, but taking 10 minutes of your day to meditate can help significantly reduce your stress. Work meditation into your daily routine, whether it’s when you wake up or before bed. Take this time to center yourself and collect your thoughts. Meditation can be done anywhere, but we recommend trying it in a sauna or in bed for ultimate relaxation. You can boost your meditation session by pairing it with a bit of daily journaling to keep track of your mood and how your mental health is impacted.

Set Boundaries

An important tip for mentally staying healthy during the winter is learning how to set boundaries. There are some settings or situations that might make you uncomfortable, and that is okay! Whether you’re avoiding large crowds or simply don’t have the time on your plate to make new plans, boundaries ensure that you don’t end up experiencing burnout – which can lead to stress that can eventually contribute to worsening your health. Set these boundaries with yourself and be comfortable with saying no to plans that don’t work with your schedule or your comfort level. Those close to you will respect and understand your choices!

Prevent Sickness

The winter season means colder temperatures, which often lead to sickness if proper precautions aren’t taken. Cold weather facilitates the spreading of germs and lowers your immune system. This tip might not 100% be in your control, but taking extra care in winter to prevent sickness and boost your immune system can help reduce your chances of catching something. Along with the tips above, you can keep your body healthy this winter by staying hydrated, taking vitamins and supplements, washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask in large crowds, and minimizing contact with those who may be sick.

This winter, take extra care of yourself to ensure you have a healthy and happy season! Use these winter health tips to guide you along your health journey. Remember, many of these tips are helpful year-round. Start incorporating these practices into your everyday routine to start a healthy future for yourself.

Why to Add Red Light and Salt Therapy to Your Sauna Sessions

There are already many health benefits to using an infrared sauna, but you can really boost your experience by adding LED light therapy and halotherapy to your session. By including additional therapies to your sauna experience, you can enjoy added health benefits such as better skin health, boosted mood, improved respiratory health, reduced pain, and more. Read on to learn more about these additions and how red light therapy and salt therapy can help boost your infrared therapy results.

Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy, or RLT, is a technique used to help promote healthy cell growth and regeneration. Today’s practice of red light therapy can be used in the treatment of a wide range of issues such as skin conditions and wound healing. There are many ways to utilize this therapy by simply placing red light technology near your body, from light towers and saunas to handheld devices and face masks.

Red light therapy works by using red low-level wavelengths of light to produce a biochemical effect in cells by penetrating approximately 5 millimeters below the skin’s surface. This effect helps strengthen the mitochondria and increase cell energy to improve the performance of cells. Stronger cells increase productivity and effectiveness for proper rejuvenation and damage repair. Overall, the body uses these boosted cells to increase healing time and improve the condition of ailments caused by degenerative cells.

The light from near-infrared LEDs has been shown to provide health benefits such as bringing energy to cells, reducing pain, increasing collagen and elastin production in skin cells, speeding up the wound healing process, reducing inflammation, and providing numerous anti-aging benefits.

Salt Therapy (Halotherapy)

The practice of salt therapy, or halotherapy, uses microsalt to promote a range of health benefits once inhaled. Many believe that when people inhale this salty air, it can help stimulate their respiratory system, reduce inflammation, fight infection, clear blockages, and reduce discomfort. The treatment is intended to recreate the atmosphere of salt caves with a high concentration of micronized salt in the air.

Salt is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and can help with excessive mucus, pathogen agents, digestive issues, depression, skin conditions, and immune system oversensitivity. Microsalt is especially effective when used for respiratory and skin conditions. Halotherapy also helps improve mental health and boosts mood. Salt contains negatively charged ions that help balance serotonin and leave you feeling invigorated, positive, and stress-free.

In the respiratory system, the main halotherapy benefits (antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hydrophilic, and mucokinetic) help stimulate the body’s process of cleansing the system to eliminate foreign particles such as pollutants and allergens to restore proper respiratory functions. For the skin, salt therapy helps regulate pH levels and enhances the reparative and regenerative properties. It can also boost the production of collagen fibers for rejuvenation and lymph cells for an immune system boost.

Full Spectrum Infrared Therapy

Full spectrum infrared therapy involves using infrared waves to penetrate into the body and provide a number of long-lasting health benefits. These waves promote healthy function of the body’s cells and in turn improve healing, circulation, and detoxification. Infrared heat therapy penetrates nearly 5 centimeters into the skin, making it a perfect therapy to use in conjunction with red light therapy that penetrates 5 millimeters. And when adding halotherapy as well, you can target the surface of your skin and your respiratory system.

By combining all three therapies, you allow multiple levels of your body to heal and rejuvenate. Detoxification, pain relief, improved skin conditions, enhanced mood, better respiratory health, and boosted immune system health are just a few of the health benefits you will experience when combining these health therapies.

Combining Infrared and Red Light Therapies

Red light therapy and infrared therapy can easily be done together by including a red light device into an infrared sauna session for a comprehensive light therapy treatment. To use red light therapy with your sauna at home, you can attach a Jacuzzi® Light Therapy Tower to the door of your sauna. Simply turn on your red light therapy device as you enjoy a 15-20 minute infrared sauna session.

Combining Infrared and Salt Therapies

On top of the healing One of the best solutions on the market is the HALOONE® Microsalt Halotherapy Generator that can be incorporated into your sauna and used to crush salt into microparticles that are easily inhaled. Creating your own salt sauna experience allows you to combine the powerful detoxifying properties of infrared therapy with the healing benefits of halotherapy.

No matter which additions you include in your infrared sauna experience, after every session, be sure to rinse off and hydrate. Detoxing helps remove impurities from your body, and it is important to wash them off and to replenish the fluids in your body. And always remember to keep your infrared sessions comfortable – if you feel any discomfort like dizziness or overheating, it’s okay to take a break and do a shorter session.

If you have a sauna at home, you are already on the right path toward wellness! But now that you’ve learned how to get the most out of a sauna with the addition of red light therapy and halotherapy, you are about to experience a whole new approach to your sauna sessions with increased health benefits. If you are considering buying a sauna, be sure to add on a red light therapy tower and a microsalt halotherapy generator to truly experience total health and wellness from the outside in.

The Benefits of Infrared Saunas on Depression

Taking care of your mental health is a necessary factor in your overall well-being. If you or a loved one are facing depression, infrared sauna use might be a beneficial addition to your health routine in conjunction with advice and treatment from your doctor. Many studies have recently been conducted to test the effectiveness of whole-body hyperthermia, or the use of extreme heat, to assist in the treatment of depression. Read on to learn more about these recent studies and how they are paving the road toward more knowledge on the benefits of hyperthermia and infrared saunas on depression.

Studies on Saunas for Depression & Mental Health

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Whole-Body Hyperthermia (WBH) Protocol

A recent 2021 study has shown promising results with whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) as a non-pharmacologic treatment for major depressive disorder while using Clearlight Saunas Far Infrared heating technology in The Curve Far Infrared Sauna Dome. Where prior trials in similar studies have used medical infrared hyperthermia devices, this study studied to see if a commercial device without FDA-imposed limitations could produce the degree of core body temperature (101.3 °F) associated with reduced depressive symptoms in prior WBH studies.

The study assessed the amount of time needed to achieve this core body temperature and the changes (pre-post WBH) in self-reported mood and affect. Twenty-five healthy adults completed a single WBH session lasting up to 110 min in the Curve Sauna Dome. Core body temperatures were recorded during WBH as well as mood and affect at points before and after whole-body hyperthermia. Whole-body hyperthermia treatment ended after a participant maintained 101.3 °F for two consecutive minutes. The study shows the effectiveness of Clearlight Saunas Far Infrared Heating technology at raising core body temperature.

Results found that all participants achieved the target core body temperature (101.3 °F) within 82.12 minutes on average. In analyses of changes in mood and affect, the study found that participants noted reductions in self-reported depression symptoms from 1 week pre- to 1-week post-WBH, and reductions in self-reported negative affect before and after their whole-body hyperthermia session. This research shows that WBH protocol holds promise in further research on the benefits of commercially available infrared sauna devices and hyperthermia in major depressive disorder treatment.

Whole-Body Hyperthermia for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder

A 2016 study conducted by psychiatry professor Charles Raison and his team aimed to explore the need to identify novel treatments for major depressive disorder. Prior to this study, a smaller study took place in which of 16 individuals with major depression, a single hyperthermia treatment reduced their depression scores almost by 50% five days later. The 2016 study was conducted to test whether whole-body hyperthermia has specific antidepressant effects when compared with a placebo condition and to evaluate the persistence of the antidepressant effects of a single treatment.

A 6-week, randomized, double-blind study took place comparing hyperthermia with a placebo condition. Participants were medically healthy, met criteria for major depressive disorder, were free of psychotropic medication use, and had a baseline 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score of 16 or greater. During the study, researchers compared a single session of active WBH to a placebo condition. The placebo condition matched all aspects of the whole-body hyperthermia condition except intense heat.

When compared with the placebo group, the active WBH group showed significantly reduced Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores across the 6-week post-intervention study period. A single session of hyperthermia produced a rapid and powerful antidepressant effect that was not observed in the placebo group. Additionally, the benefits of a single hyperthermia treatment persisted for six weeks, leading to the conclusion that whole-body hyperthermia holds promise as a safe, rapid-acting, and prolonged antidepressant effect.

A Hot Topic for Health: Results of the Global Sauna Survey

Researchers set out to determine the motivations and experiences of typical sauna users. An online 71-item questionnaire compiling information on the individual characteristics, sauna-related habits, and perceived health and wellness experiences of regular sauna bathers was conducted. The 2019 study incorporated a quality of life scoring tool to measure physical and mental indicators of well-being.

The study was made up of 482 respondents who sauna-bathed approximately 1–2 times per week. The key reasons indicated by respondents for sauna-bathing included relaxation/stress reduction, pain relief, and socializing. Nearly a third of respondents reported medical conditions. Of this group, those with back/musculoskeletal pain and mental issues cited the greatest improvements in their conditions with sauna use. Of all respondents, 83.5% reported improved sleep after sauna use. This study documents that sauna users are motivated to use saunas predominantly for relaxation, reporting health benefits especially around mental well-being and sleep

Analysis of well-being scores after grouping respondents into groups by sauna-bathing frequency revealed that sauna users who utilize a sauna 5–15 times monthly recorded comparatively higher mental well-being scores as compared to respondents who were sauna-bathing less frequently.

Benefits of Infrared Saunas on Mental Health

Mental health can be based on a number of factors, from chemical imbalances to chronic pain. Frequent sauna use can assist in reducing the symptoms of depression and other mental health issues. A short daily session in an infrared sauna can increase your exposure to heat therapy and help with:

While medical treatment should be discussed with your doctor for clinically-diagnosed conditions, adding infrared sauna use to your regular routine can offer many health benefits that assist in symptom reduction and enhance medical therapies. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of major depressive disorder or need to discuss your mental health, be sure to discuss with your doctor regarding next steps and proper treatments.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. The services are free and confidential.

Citations

Mason, Ashley E et al. “Feasibility and acceptability of a Whole-Body hyperthermia (WBH) protocol.” International Journal of Hyperthermia vol. 38,1 (2021): 1529-1535. DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2021.1991010

Janssen, Clemens W et al. “Whole-Body Hyperthermia for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” JAMA psychiatry vol. 73,8 (2016): 789-795. DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.1031

Hussain, Joy N et al. “A hot topic for health: Results of the Global Sauna Survey.” Complementary Therapies in Medicine vol. 44 (2019): 223-234. DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.03.012

Dealing with Nerve Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Natural Remedies

About 1 in 3 Americans experience chronic pain. Of those, 1 in 5 experience neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain, also called nerve pain, is one of the many classes of chronic pain. It can be a persistent and painful health concern, and finding relief can have a huge impact on your quality of life. Though nerve pain can be sudden and unpleasant, there are steps you can take to help relieve symptoms and get on the road to recovery. Read on to learn more about nerve pain, from its common causes and symptoms to treatments that can help alleviate the pain and discomfort.

What is Nerve Pain?

Nerve pain is complex and can be caused by nerve damage, irritation, or destruction. The cause of nerve pain is usually due to damaged nerves that send false signals and result in chronic pain. The signals may not function to register the pain associated with an injury normally.

Nerve pain is often progressive, especially if the root cause is not treated. The usual progression of nerve pain begins far away from the brain and spinal cord (hands and feet) and spreads backward (retrograde) toward the arms and legs. With appropriate and timely treatment, the progression may be halted and, in some cases, reversed.

Nerve Pain Causes

Although some people develop nerve pain for no known reason, many others develop it because of a certain health problem such as diabetes, shingles, or cancer. It can also occur as the result of injury or infection. Some develop unusual triggers that make them overly sensitive to certain conditions, caused by a heightened sensitivity of the nerves to stimulation. With neuropathic pain, the pain isn’t typically triggered by an event or injury. Instead, the body just sends pain signals to your brain unprompted.

Common causes for nerve pain include:

Cancer
Carpal tunnel
Chemotherapy
Chronic alcohol use
Diabetes
Facial nerve damage
Herniated discs
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple myeloma
Phantom limb syndrome
Shingles
Syphilis
Spinal arthritis
Spinal cord compression
Thyroid issues
Tissue, muscle, and joint injuries
Trigeminal neuralgia
Vitamin B deficiency

Nerve Pain Symptoms

The perception of pain varies with everyone; terms such as stabbing, prickling, burning, tingling, and other descriptions have been used. Nerve pain can be difficult to live with and tends to get worse over time. If you feel like you are experiencing any nerve pain symptoms, be sure to speak with your doctor quickly to prevent further potential nerve damage.

Each person’s symptoms of nerve pain may vary slightly, but these nerve pain symptoms are common:

Shooting, throbbing, burning, or stabbing pain
Tingling or “pins and needles” feeling
Spontaneous pain
Extreme sensitivity to touch
Difficulty sleeping or resting
Loss of balance
Weakened grip
Muscle fatigue
Pain with movement
Partial or complete paralysis

Loss of Feeling & Numbness

Not all nerve damage results in pain. Loss of feeling or numbness may also occur. Although it may not be painful, the numbness can result in decreased sensitivity of the sense of touch that can interfere with dexterity in the hands. This can make activities like typing, shoe-tying, or playing a musical instrument difficult. Numbness or reduction/loss of the sense of touch can be dangerous because it affects balance and muscle strength. This may require braces, canes, or walkers to prevent falls.

Although some nerve damage may cause numbness instead of pain, this can still be harmful. Numbness may mask damage to traumatized extremities like the feet. People with this type of nerve damage can benefit from regularly examining their extremities for possible overlooked injuries.

Nerve Pain Remedies

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers drugs are often the first medicines used to reduce or stop nerve pain. The components may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen. Some OTCs may be incorporated into creams, gels, ointments, oils, or sprays that are applied to the skin overlying the painful area.

Prescription Drugs

There are many different prescription drugs that may help to reduce nerve pain. They range from powerful painkillers to drugs that were originally used for depression or seizures but can also reduce nerve pain. However, some of these prescription drugs may be addictive, so you and your doctor need to find a treatment plan that works for you without causing you additional problems.

Natural & Home Remedies for Nerve Pain

Some people with nerve pain respond to other treatments known as complementary, natural, or alternative treatments. For example, acupuncture may help some, while dietary supplements may help others. However, you and your doctor should discuss the use of these treatments and supplements to be sure they don’t interfere with other medical therapies or treatments.

Infrared Sauna for Nerve Pain

Experiencing infrared heat in a sauna improves circulation, relaxes muscles, tissues, and nerves, and even aids in the rebuilding of damaged nerve tissue. Far-infrared therapy utilizes light to create heat, directly heating the body with a much more comfortable heat than traditional saunas. This heat allows you to remain inside the sauna longer and enhance potential health benefits. Infrared heat penetrates joints, muscles, tissues, and nerve endings while also producing additional white blood cells, which alleviates inflammation. Reduced inflammation can help reduce nerve pain and bring relief from the discomfort.

In addition to the benefits of far-infrared therapy, a study led by Paul Heppenstall, Ph.D. has shown that near-infrared light can help reduce nerve pain receptors by causing the nerve endings to retract from the surface of the skin. You can include red light therapy into your sauna session for a comprehensive combination of far-infrared, near-infrared, and red light therapies to help reduce nerve pain.

If you believe you are suffering from nerve pain, be sure to discuss your next steps with your doctor as soon as possible. While some pain might be manageable, neuropathic pain has the potential to progress further and can cause permanent damage if not treated in a proper or timely manner. Be sure to listen to your body and take the precautions necessary to alleviate nerve pain and live your best life.

How to Have a Healthy Transition Back to “Normal Life”

After this last year and a half of a different approach to life, it might feel a bit odd returning back to pre-pandemic life. With increased vaccine rollouts and expanded access across the country, returning to “normal” is something on the horizon that many are looking forward to. However, this return to normalcy is making some anxious. People who are still worried about contracting the virus or who are used to spending time alone may find it difficult to return to their pre-pandemic social lives.

This is why it is so important to set a plan for healthy transitions for life after COVID so it isn’t an overwhelming experience. Read on to find the best ways to mentally and physically prepare yourself for getting back into the swing of things in a healthy manner.

Tips for the Return to Normalcy

Build Up Your Immune System

Health is obviously one of the top priorities when returning to life after COVID. Building up your immune system can help keep your body in the best shape possible to defend against any sickness. In this last year and a half in isolation, your body hasn’t been exposed to many outside influences, which might make you more susceptible to illnesses such as general colds or even allergies until your immunity is built up again.

Help give your immune system a boost naturally by having regular infrared sauna sessions, taking supplements, exercising, reducing stress, and eating a healthy diet.

Define Your Priorities

After a year and a half at home and away from our regular activities, it can be overwhelming with all the new opportunities available. People to see, things to do, places to visit, it can all feel like a bit much. Define your priorities to make the transition easier to manage. Make a list of what you’d like to do first, whether that’s going on a trip you’ve had to reschedule or visiting friends or family members you haven’t seen in years.

Determine Boundaries

Once you have your priorities set, determine some boundaries. You don’t need to return to your pre-pandemic social life right away, and if you’re wary of seeing certain friends or are nervous about some interactions, it’s okay to take a step back. Set a window of tolerance, which is essentially a comfort zone that you can work, live, and socialize within, adjusting it as things open up more.

Embrace the Good Changes

There’s no denying that the last year and a half has been a challenge. It has been a weird period of change that has been both uncomfortable and uncertain, but it’s also important to take a look at the good changes. Perhaps you learned a new skill or picked up a new hobby. Or maybe you’ve adopted a healthier lifestyle or have invested more time into your mental health. During your return to normalcy, embrace the good changes during abnormal times.

Find a New Routine

At the start of COVID, our lives were rocked and routines were thrown out the window. Over the months, you probably found a new at-home routine. And now, that routine might have to change again. Whether you’re going back into the office after working from home or starting to do things on the weekend again, settle into a new routine that helps you fit in all the things you need to do in the day.

Make Time for Yourself

With all this energy going toward thinking about things to do when returning to normalcy, it can be easy to forget to take time for yourself. You’ve had a year and a half to yourself, so don’t stop that important time now. Set aside time that doesn’t revolve around anyone else and pamper yourself. Have a spa day, go on a solo run, watch your favorite movie, lounge and read a book, or spend time on a hobby you love.

Manage Your Overall Health

We mentioned boosting your immune system above, but there are other aspects of your health that are important to manage as well. Of course, still do the basics like washing your hands and maintaining distance between those who may be sick. You should also continue to exercise, eat a healthy diet, meditate, and go to doctor appointments to take care of your mental and physical health.

Reflect on Your Experience

This last year and a half has been a life experience many were not expecting or prepared for, which means we were collectively thrown into a world of change. It is important to reflect on these months, from the good to the bad. Reflection will help you appreciate the wins, process the hardships, and celebrate the return to normalcy even more. This is an important step forward in understanding how the pandemic has affected your life moving forward.

Set Realistic Expectations

At the end of the day, it is important to set realistic expectations for yourself when returning to normalcy and life after COVID. Things are going to be different from how they were pre-pandemic with our new normal. Expect that it’s still going to be a learning curve getting back into the swing of things, and that’s okay! With realistic expectations set and healthy transitions in place, going back to normal will be easier than you expect.

Healthy Transitions for Life After COVID

While COVID may be around for a bit longer, we are certainly getting closer to “normal” life once again. Planning and setting up healthy transitions after this last year and a half can help you ease back into an old lifestyle that feels pretty new. Take things slowly and don’t pressure yourself to do anything you aren’t comfortable with yet.

This period in life has been a learning experience and has made a large impact on us all. Anxiety about life after COVID is totally normal, but it can be managed with the right steps. Plan your transition for your return to normalcy, set boundaries, reflect on your experience, and focus on your health. Taking care of your own physical and mental health should be your top priority at this time.

Putting Together the Ultimate Total Body Wellness Routine

A lot of health routine guides will tell you how to focus on one part of your wellbeing, be it diet, exercise, or something else. But we know that having a routine for total health and wellness requires a lot more than focusing on just one thing. From meditating for your mental health to staying hydrated for your physical health, a lot goes into creating a routine that benefits your overall health. Read on to find the best ways to have the ultimate total body wellness routine, from mind to body.

Wellness Routine for Physical Health

Begin Your Day with a Stretch

Your daily routine should start off with a good stretch. Stretching in the morning improves your energy levels, improves your circulation, relieves any tension or pain from sleeping the night before, encourages good lymphatic function, and prepares your body for the day ahead. To really bolster your morning stretch, a quick hot yoga session in an infrared sauna will really invigorate your day.

Exercise Regularly

Getting proper exercise benefits your mental and physical health. Sedentary behavior has been linked to many medical problems. Moving more and sitting less can have major health benefits such as reduced stress, maintaining a healthy weight, improved metabolism, and more. Aim to get around 2.5 hours of active movement a week to keep your body healthy and in top shape, and use an infrared sauna to boost your workout even more.

Get Quality Sleep

Getting quality sleep gives you a headstart on good mental health each day. The tough thing about sleep issues is that they lead to stress, which leads to more trouble sleeping – and the cycle continues. You can counter this by sticking to a bedtime routine. Try limiting screen time before bed, or going to bed at the same time each night. Developing a predictable routine around sleep can help put your mind at ease when it’s time to rest.

Sit in an Infrared Sauna

If you have an infrared sauna or access to one, having a sauna session in your routine can be a huge benefit to your total body wellness. Infrared saunas offer a number of health benefits such as muscle recovery, improved skin, boosted immune system, reduced stress, increased metabolism, and much more. Infrared sauna sessions can be as long or short as you need them to be, making them an easy addition to your daily health routine.

Stay Hydrated

Did you know that becoming even slightly dehydrated can lead to lowered mood and decreased concentration? Keep water or other low-sugar drinks on hand to sip throughout the day, especially if you’re sweating more than usual due to activities such as exercise or sauna use. If you need to, set an alarm every hour to drink water until it becomes a natural part of your healthy daily routine.

Take Supplements and Vitamins

Sometimes, what you eat isn’t enough to get your daily needed vitamins and nutrients. Include daily supplements and vitamins into your routine after speaking to your doctor to see what is best for you. Consume your nutrient essentials, such as a high-quality multivitamin, a vitamin D supplement, and capsules of omega-3 fish oils. This combo will help to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, lower blood pressure, and ensure optimal health.

Wellness Routine for Mental Health

Decrease Your Screen Time

Our phones, tablets, and televisions are our windows to the world. But every once in a while, taking a break is a good thing. There are lots of studies to support limiting the screentime of children and young adults, and adult studies are trending in the same direction. Excessive screen time has been linked to a reduction in gray matter in the adult brain. When this happens in your frontal lobe, it can lead to problems with impulse control.

Eat Brain-Friendly Foods

Food can help improve your mood. Not the treats you may be thinking, like a cookie for a job well done. Try foods rich in vitamin B-12 and folate if you’re looking for ways to fight depression. Vitamin D from dairy products is linked to an increase in dopamine, which helps with mood regulation. Avoid sugar and carbohydrates when stressed, as they can cause spikes in blood sugar and hormones, which can leave you feeling even more off-balance.

Practice Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a technique that helps reduce stress by slowing down your thoughts. This helps you move your focus away from negative emotions. Mindfulness meditation is rooted in breathing exercises that keep you focused on the present moment. Studies have shown that meditation makes you less distractible and improves your resilience to stress. You can get started by dedicating as little as five minutes a day to developing your practice.

Prepare the Night Before

A successful morning starts the night before. Set clear intentions for the next day, acknowledge the present day, and express gratitude for what happened. Reflect on your day by remembering what went well and what could have gone better by writing in a journal. You can also physically prepare for the next day by doing something like planning your outfit or packing your meals to help reduce stress the next day.

Set Weekly Goals

On top of preparing the night before, setting goals at the start of the week can be a great addition to your mental health routine. If you make a schedule and set goals for yourself for the week, you’ll be more on top of your days, and when you’re more on top of your days, you’re more on top of your life. As you cross off the tasks on your to-do list, you will feel a sense of accomplishment which will help reduce stress.

Stick to a Routine

Especially when you run a business or a household, a schedule or routine can be an excellent tool for organizing your busy mind. That’s because it limits the number of decisions you have to make each day. Routine prevents decision fatigue where you tire yourself out by getting bogged down by a bunch of small repetitive decisions. When you plan things like what you’ll wear, or what you’ll have for lunch, you’re less likely to experience decision fatigue.

Setting a daily routine for a healthy body and mind can set you on the path toward a healthier and more efficient lifestyle. Incorporate as many of the above tips for good daily routines into your life as you can and start to form healthy habits that will have lasting benefits on your wellbeing. Good habits take some time to form, and bad habits can be difficult to break, but the end result is well worth it for your total body wellness!

Work from Home Tips for Extra Energy & Motivation

Working from home has become the norm for many in the last year, and was a major shift in how we all work. In fact, 7 in 10 white-collar workers are still working remotely after all this time. Separating work from home has been easy for some and difficult for others, but the difficulties can be lessened with a bit of self-care and structure. If working from home has become part of your work schedule either recently or for the last few months, these tips will help you stay energized throughout the day when your home and office are in the same space!

How to Stay Healthy While Working from Home

Go for a Walk

Adjusting to working from home means adjusting to a calmer environment, which also could mean adjusting to a more sedentary work style. You might not have noticed it in the office, but once you don’t have coworkers’ desks to visit, conference rooms to rush to, or the printer to check, you’ll realize the lack of movement at home. Go for a walk every couple of hours or so to get your blood pumping and your body moving. Walking can help you stretch your legs, burn some calories, and get you out of uncomfortably sitting in a chair all day.

Use a Sauna

If you have access to an infrared sauna while working from home, it can be one of the most helpful health tools. Since sauna sessions can be as long or short as you need them to be, it can be a great way to break up your day. Start off with a mini session before, during, or after work to help you feel energized and have mental clarity – you can even use essential oils to awaken the senses or to help you feel relaxed. And if you had to, the dry heat of saunas allows you to bring in electronics, which means you can even answer work emails or take a call while in it (though we recommend you have some time for yourself!).

Your sauna is also a great place to meditate when you do get that time to yourself. Even a 10-minute meditation and some stretching in your sauna can help. And with working from home typically being sedentary, sauna use can help you burn more calories than just simply sitting at your desk.

Stretch Often

If you don’t have a sauna at home, still make it a point to get up out of your chair and move your body from time to time. Stretching is so important, especially when working from home when many don’t have the same desk setup as when they did back in the office with ergonomic chairs and keyboards. Set a timer to stretch at least every two hours. Stand up, touch your toes, roll your neck, stretch your wrists and fingers. This helps your body increase circulation and can also help prevent you from forming poor posture.

Meal Prep

When you work from home, you don’t have access to your company’s office kitchen stocked with snacks at all times. And you likely don’t have company-sponsored lunches. This means you and your pantry are fully responsible for those midday work snack attacks! Meal prepping at the start of every week can help combat the issue of not having anything in the fridge to snack on when you need a little boost. Making your own meals also helps you stay on track with eating healthy, which in turn can help you focus better and have more energy.

Drink Water

Staying hydrated while working from home is something that is easily forgotten. If you’re used to the easy-access office water cooler at the office, you might find it harder to keep track of your water intake when you have to make a trek to the kitchen. Either set water reminders throughout the day to fill up your cup or get a big water bottle and set timers to encourage you to finish the water by the end of the day. Staying hydrated will help you feel better and sharper throughout the workday.

Talk with Someone

This one is for your mental health. In the office, you probably talked to multiple people throughout the day. That face-to-face contact and direct conversation is something that is lost when working from home. Over time, the lack of physical presence of other people can make you feel isolated and alone. Make it a goal to hear someone’s voice every day, whether that means scheduling a meeting with your coworker, calling a friend, or even simply going to the grocery store and saying hi to the cashier. Speaking to someone can really make a difference!

Work from Home Motivation Tips

Stick to a Schedule

One big difference between working in an office and working from home is the change in structure. In the office, there is a social expectation to be somewhere at a certain time and looking a certain way. At home, things might not be so rigid. While the increase in freedom may sound nice, it is also important to stick to somewhat of a schedule and a routine to keep you from losing motivation. It doesn’t have to be anything too involved, simply get up at the same time every morning, put on an outfit other than PJs, and set work hours that don’t blend with home hours.

Reward Yourself

Working from home can start to feel a bit monotonous – if you let it. Monotony definitely has an impact on your motivation, so it’s best to keep things interesting in your home office. Break up the day and boost your motivation to complete tasks by rewarding yourself from time to time. For example, reward yourself for finishing a presentation by getting a fancy coffee from the coffee shop. Or reward yourself for getting through that long call with 15 minutes of you-time in your infrared sauna. Make your reward anything you’ll look forward to after a task.

Go for a Walk (again)

Yes, a second recommendation to go for a walk! But this time, it’s for motivation while working from home. Sometimes all you need is a break from your desk and some fresh air to get you back into the right mindset to knock out your next task or project. Dedicate some time every day to walk around the block a few times and leave your work at home. Use your walk as a time to connect with yourself and take a break from your computer. If the weather isn’t great, try replacing your walk with some yoga or meditation inside to give your mind a break.

Whether you are recently starting a new work-from-home position or have been working remotely for months, these tips can help you feel more structured, organized, energized, and motivated in your home office. The switch from office to home is definitely a learning experience that can be handled by putting extra effort into taking care of yourself. Movement, mental health breaks, and schedules will hopefully make your work-from-home experience a bit more enjoyable!

Ways to Prioritize Healthy Travel While on Vacation

As health has become a growing topic around the globe, knowing how to travel safely and consciously is important for maintaining your health. As travel begins to open up, the world of vacationing is still a bit changed from how it was. Health is the main priority when taking time off for yourself, so follow these healthy travel tips to help you come home feeling refreshed instead of worn down. From what to pack to finding the right healthy activities for you, use these healthy travel tips to stay safe and happy on your next trip!

How to Stay Healthy on Vacation

Drink & Eat Healthy

Diet is a huge component in staying healthy while traveling. Good ingredients help our bodies feel and function better, which means you’ll enjoy your trip even more. Definitely indulge on your trip as well! Moderation is key. Enjoy a delicious, hearty dinner, but plan to have a healthy, light breakfast in the morning following. When it comes to drinking, try to not go overboard and wind up with a hangover. Not much ruins a trip more than a sour stomach from eating or drinking too indulgently. Find a balance between enjoying yourself and nourishing yourself for a healthy travel experience, and also be sure to stay hydrated throughout your trip.

Get Some Rest

While resting might feel like a no-go if you are excited to go out and travel, it really is an important factor in having a healthy vacation. If you are constantly going nonstop, you risk burning out quickly and not having any energy to do the things you were hoping to do. This is especially true if you are traveling between time zones. While it is good to adjust to the local time, pushing your body to its limits for rest will only hinder the process. Listen to your body when it needs to slow down or take a break. If you can’t seem to sleep while traveling, try some natural sleep techniques to help you get to a more rested state of mind.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Stay healthy while traveling by taking it outside. Exploring nature is a great way to get out of the city and see something new. With the fresh air and new views, getting outside can be a great way to clear your mind from travel stress and can give you the opportunity to see wherever you’re visiting in a new light. You’ll probably enjoy it so much that it won’t even feel like you’re exercising.

Visit the Spa

If you are traveling and have access to a spa, use it! Going to a spa isn’t your typical travel plan, especially when you plan on exploring, but it doesn’t have to take up a significant part of your day. Get a 15-minute foot massage after a long day of walking, relax in the hot tub for 15 minutes, or use the spa infrared sauna to help you feel energized and ready to take on the day.

No access to a spa while on vacation? No worries! You can still relax by meditating from time to time. They don’t have to be long meditation sessions, either. Just a few minutes of breathwork and refocusing your mind can do a lot to help you center yourself.

Fit in a Workout

If you have been on a workout schedule, maintaining your progress even while on vacation is important for staying healthy. Hitting the gym in the morning is a great way to jumpstart your day, and it’s definitely a perk that sweat helps you remove those toxins from enjoying some drinks the night before. Not big on the gym? You can still get in a pretty decent workout by doing some hotel room exercises. And if you can, treat yourself to a gym or spa sauna session to make your workout even more effective.

Come Prepared

Now that you know how to stay healthy while traveling, it’s time to know what to pack. What you bring for your trip can play a huge role in staying healthy wherever you decide to go. These items will certainly help you feel your best so you can enjoy every bit of your trip! Learning how to stay healthy while traveling means learning how to mix the practical items with the fun ones.

Hand Sanitizer

This tip on how to stay healthy while traveling is an especially important one today. While hotels and airports are taking many precautions to keep everyone safe and healthy on vacation, it doesn’t hurt to have an extra layer of protection. Bring along a small bottle of hand sanitizer for added peace of mind when in public places.

Healthy Snacks

Of course, you should enjoy yourself with local food when on vacation, but packing some healthy snacks can help keep you on track on the plane or between restaurant hopping. Try to bring nonperishables that travel well and can store in your hotel room or bag throughout your trip.

Sunscreen & Lotion

Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can skip your skincare routine! Bring your favorite sunscreen and be sure to apply it before going out in the sun. Even if you’ll have minimal sun exposure, it’s best to stay safe. Lotion will also help save you from the discomfort of dry skin that sometimes comes with airplane travel.

Supplements

If you take any supplements or vitamins at home, don’t forget to bring a travel supply! Travel can sometimes throw your body off of schedule, so keeping up with some routine things from home may help keep it healthy. Having a strong immune system is key right now, and sticking with your supplements can help.

Workout Gear

If you plan on working out in the gym or going for a hike, it’s important to pack the right clothes and gear. Make sure you bring items that are appropriate for your destination’s weather, comfortable shoes, and a reusable water bottle. It doesn’t hurt to also bring a laundry bag to separate your clothes after breaking a sweat.

Staying healthy while traveling is probably a lot easier than you think. The key to it all is finding that balance: definitely have your fun and enjoy your destination, but also make sure you’re setting aside time to take care of yourself. Be sure to stay hydrated, be active, and get enough sleep to truly treat your body well. And if you happen to feel a bit of travel fatigue once you get home, hit the sauna for a post-travel detox that will help you feel better!

4 Tips for Staying Safe & Healthy in the Heat

The heat can certainly take its toll in the warmer months of the year. And with the hotter months seeming to last longer and longer, it’s important to know how to safely be exposed to heat. To avoid heat sickness, dehydration, or other ailments caused by heat, use these tips to ensure your summer and beyond is safe and enjoyable – whether you’re sweating it out under the sun or in an infrared sauna.

Summer Heat Safety Tips

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is always the number one priority when it comes to your health. This tip applies every day, not just when you’re in the heat! However, staying hydrated while in the heat is more of a safety tip than a general health tip. When you are hot you tend to sweat more, which in turn makes your body lose water at a faster rate than usual. Becoming dehydrated is a serious risk in extreme heat, especially if it is accompanied by vigorous exercise. Always have water on hand if you are exercising outdoors, and know where you can easily find water elsewhere if doing any other activity.

If you are continually drinking water but still feel dehydrated, look into incorporating electrolytes into your water. Electrolytes can help replenish essential minerals such as sodium, calcium, and potassium that help you properly maintain water and stay healthy.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

In the hotter months, what you wear is especially important. Look at the weather and determine your activities if you can before leaving the house to get a good gauge of what to wear. Choose clothes that are lightweight and breathable that won’t trap additional heat. Material really matters here, as one tank top can be itchy and hot while another is lightweight and cooling.

It also helps to have clothing that can protect you from the sun, which can cause serious injuries such as sunburn with prolonged exposure. Sleeves might not immediately sound comfortable in the heat, but lightweight sleeves can be barely noticeable while protecting you from the sun’s rays.

Avoid Prolonged Exposure

Spending too much time in the heat can lead to some fairly serious if not careful. A large part of heat illness prevention is avoiding prolonged exposure if you can. In the event of heat or sun exposure becoming too overwhelming for you, seek out shade or a way to cool yourself down. Removing yourself from the situation might not always be an option, so it helps to research your activity beforehand so you can be prepared to bring your own source of shade or cooling.

When exposed to the heat for any amount of time, if you are feeling faint, then rest! Listen to your body when it is telling you that you’re reaching your limits. Do activities in the heat in increments to get your body acclimated to the temperature. Heat can make any activity even more strenuous on your body.

Use Sun Protection

As mentioned above, protecting your skin from sun exposure is highly recommended. If you are exposed to heat outdoors, you’re likely getting hit with the sun’s rays as well. Protect yourself with sun protection such as sunscreen, UV shirts, hats, and sunglasses. Sun damage cannot be reversed, and even small amounts of exposure can build up over time. And whether or not you’ve been in the sun, extend your skin protection by using moisturizers and drinking water. Moisturized skin is healthy skin and can help alleviate discomfort from dry skin or burns.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Sunburn

If you are spending time outside, you run the risk of spending too much time in the sun – which can cause a red, irritated, and painful sunburn to occur. If your sunburn lasts for more than a few days or you experience extreme symptoms, seek the help of a medical provider. Excessive or extreme sunburns can lead to the growth of skin cancer over time, so it’s important to take steps to prevent sunburn.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion happens when your body fails to cool itself and overheats due to dehydration, overactivity, or extreme heat. Symptoms typically consist of dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, muscle cramps, and headache. If you think you are experiencing heat exhaustion, stop whatever activity you are doing, move to shade or a cool spot, and drink chilled water.

Heatstroke

If the symptoms of heat exhaustion are ignored, the condition can progress into heatstroke. Like heat exhaustion, your body has failed to cool itself down to a healthy level, which can cause systems to shut down. Heatstroke is a serious condition and should be treated by a medical professional immediately to prevent damage to the heart, brain, kidney, and muscles.

Sauna Heat Safety Tips

While heat exhaustion and heat stroke can sound pretty daunting, especially when they can happen pretty quickly if exposed to extreme heat. So what does that mean for saunas? It depends on the type! A far infrared heater with a surface temperature of approximately 180-200° F, like our Clearlight True Wave™ Heaters, produces much higher quality far infrared heat than a heater running at 450 degrees or, as some heaters do, 700 degrees. This makes the risk of heat-related illness lower in infrared saunas than in traditional saunas.

No matter if you use a traditional sauna or an infrared sauna, exposure to heat can be safe and healthy with the right precautions. There are a number of things to keep in mind with heat illness prevention in a sauna. The most important thing to take into consideration is your comfort level. If you are feeling uncomfortable in the heat after 5 minutes, then end your session there. You can gradually work your way up until you’re comfortable with a longer session. Always have water on hand to keep yourself hydrated, and wear appropriate clothing to avoid overheating.

Whether using a sauna or feeling the heat from the sun, keep these heat safety tips in mind to keep you healthy! Heat can be an excellent tool in your health, and when handled properly, you’ll be able to enjoy more time in the heat without fear of heat illness.

Reasons to Use a Sauna in Your Summer Health Routine

Using a sauna in the summer might sound counterintuitive, but hear us out! Using a sauna in the summer can be a helpful tool in maintaining your health in the summer, from helping improve skin health to helping improve your immune system. Read on to learn more about why an infrared sauna is the ultimate addition to your summer health routine and discover the many benefits of sweating and being exposed to the heat!

Infrared Sauna Heat Benefits in Summer

Increased Weight Loss

Many focus on weight loss for the summer, and using an infrared sauna can help you achieve healthy weight loss, whether you use the sauna after a workout or on its own. There are many claims stating that sitting in a sauna can help you burn a lot of calories fast, but infrared sauna weight loss is more of a gradual burn, so don’t expect a miracle weight loss solution with just one use.

The infrared heat increases your heart rate and boosts your metabolic rate to burn approximately 1.5 times your regular calorie burn. For example, if you typically burn 40 calories in 30 minutes, a 30-minute sauna session will burn 60 calories. While it isn’t a large difference, any additional calorie burn helps.

Boosted Immune System

Summers often bring about summer colds, and they can put a real hamper on your seasonal activities. Along with keeping our immune systems healthy by ridding our bodies of the toxins, working up a sweat helps prevent us from getting sick. There are many viruses and bacteria that thrive at our regular body temperature, but die off when our bodies heat up to above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Infrared sauna use helps boost your immune system and protect you from summer illnesses. The heat from a sauna helps promote the production of white blood cells, improves blood circulation, creates an artificial fever, and releases toxins – all actions great in helping your body stay healthy.

Improved Skin Health

Your skin holds on to the dirt and toxins you’ve encountered throughout the day, especially during the summer when you are in contact with sunscreen, pools, beach towels, and sweat. If not washed off or removed from your body, you face the risk of building up toxins and causing breakouts. While sitting in an infrared sauna in the summer might just sound like another hot activity, there are many detoxifying benefits to sweating it out.

Using an infrared sauna for skincare is a great and natural way to cleanse your pores and eliminate blemishes. Sweat helps remove deeply embedded impurities and dead skin cells, leaving you with clean and glowing skin in summer. It is important to cleanse your face after to avoid further clogging from the sweat and removed toxins.

Better Endurance to Heat

In most places, the summer heat can be fairly intense depending on the month and the weather. Sometimes it seems unbearable when it gets to those higher temperatures. But, after some time spent in the heat, it typically becomes more tolerable. That’s where a sauna comes in. Using an infrared sauna can help you become more accustomed to the heat, thus increasing your enjoyment of the weather.

When using your infrared sauna, it is recommended to start with shorter sessions so your body can acclimate to the higher temperatures. Go in for increments of 5 minutes until you feel comfortable with a full session. Once you get out, the 90-degree weather will feel like nothing compared to the 180-220 degree heat of your sauna!

Reduced Stress

While summer days as a child were filled with fun, summer as an adult has a few more stressors with work, planning summer activities, and even paying the summer A/C bill! Luckily, working up a sweat releases endorphins, which make you happy. While sweating while it’s already hot outside might sound miserable at first, it actually helps relieve stress and promote relaxation. Don’t knock it until you try it!

One of the quickest ways to release endorphins and reduce stress is by relaxing in an infrared sauna. Next time you’re feeling stressed out or need a break to clear your mind, think about spending a few minutes for yourself in the sauna to ease your mind, feel rejuvenated, and embrace the benefits of sweating.

Summer Heat Safety

Saunas, working out, being outside – no matter how you decide to sweat this summer, always be sure to do it safely. Weare weather- or activity-appropriate clothing, always stay hydrated, wear sunscreen if outdoors, and be aware of the potentials of heat-related illnesses that may arise if your body overheats. Know when to take a break and cool when you need to. If you are doing any intensive heated activities, have a buddy who can keep an eye out just in case heat exhaustion arises.

Once you are done with your summer heat activities, be sure to drink plenty of water, rest, and take a shower. Once you’ve sweat out all those toxins, you don’t want them stuck on your body.

Benefits of Sweating in Summer

Sweating in the summer might not sound like the ideal activity, but it’s hard to argue with the points above that getting your summer sweat on might be one of the best health choices out there. Using an infrared sauna is the best and easiest way to tap into the health benefits of heat and sweat without overexposing yourself to the hot summer weather. Whether you decide to sweat it out in an infrared sauna, taking a walk outside, exercising, eating spicy food, or however else you like, the health benefits are well worth the moments of feeling the heat. Who knows, maybe someday you’ll start to enjoy the feeling of it!