Wellness Wednesday Chronicles | Saunas

Why They Matter and How They Can Transform Your Life

Mar 19, 2025

Welcome to Marcel’s Wellness Wednesday Chronicles, where we dive deep into the practices, traditions, and tools that can help you live a healthier, more balanced life.

This week, we’re talking about saunas—yes, those steamy, sweat-inducing spaces that have been around for thousands of years. But why are we talking about them? Why should you care? And how can they impact your life and community in a meaningful way?

Check out the clip below to see how Marcel and the team explored saunas firsthand and attended an Othership social.

📲 Watch the full video on Marcel’s Instagram for the full breakdown!

Now, let’s break it down.

A Brief History of Saunas: More Than Just a Trend

Saunas aren’t just a modern wellness fad—they’re an ancient tradition with roots that stretch back thousands of years. While the word “sauna” comes from Finnish culture, nearly every culture has some form of sweat bathing in its history. From the Ottoman hammams to the Mayan temazcal and the Japanese onsen, the act of sweating for health and ritual is a global practice.

The Finnish sauna, however, is where the modern sauna as we know it originated. For centuries, saunas have been a place for physical cleansing, mental relaxation, and even social gatherings. They’re not just about sweating—they’re about creating a space for connection, reflection, and renewal.

(Want to dive deeper into sauna history? Check out these links: BBC Culture and Taiga Times.)

Why Saunas? Why Now?

In a world where we’re constantly juggling work, family, side hustles, and self-care, why should saunas even be on your radar? Here’s the thing: saunas offer a unique combination of physical and mental benefits that are hard to replicate elsewhere. Let’s break it down:

1. Stress Relief and Down Regulation

We live in a society where “busy” is the norm, and stress is a constant companion. Saunas provide a safe space for down regulation—a chance to slow down, disconnect, and quiet your mind. The heat forces you to sit still, breathe deeply, and let go of the chaos of the day. It’s like hitting a reset button for your nervous system.

2. Improved Sleep

Struggling to get those 8 hours of sleep everyone keeps telling you about? Saunas can help. The heat relaxes your muscles and calms your mind, making it easier to drift off into a deep, restorative sleep.

3. Cardiovascular Health

Saunas aren’t just good for your mind—they’re great for your body, too. Regular sauna use has been linked to:

Increased blood flow and circulation
Reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke and heart attack
Lowered blood pressure
Improved recovery for those who train often

4. Accessibility by Price Point

Let’s talk about cost. While saunas aren’t exactly cheap, they’re far more accessible than many other wellness treatments. In NYC, for example, a sauna session might cost you the price of two drinks at a local bar—but the benefits last far longer. Compared to massages or other recovery treatments, saunas are a budget-friendly way to invest in your health.

The Problem: Accessibility by Location

While saunas are becoming more popular, there’s a glaring issue: accessibility by location. In the U.S., saunas are often isolated to affluent areas or homogeneous spaces. This creates a barrier for lower-income communities and communities of color, who are often overworked and in need of accessible stress relief.

In contrast, many Eastern cultures have public saunas that are accessible to everyone, regardless of income. So, how do we bring this practice to marginalized communities in North America? How do we not only provide access but also educate people on the benefits of saunas?

The Vision: Saunas as Community Spaces

Saunas are more than just a wellness tool—they’re a way to build community. Imagine saunas as sober, inclusive spaces where people can gather, connect, and recharge. Imagine bringing this practice to neighborhoods that need it most, creating a ripple effect of health and wellness.

This is why we’re talking about saunas. This is why they matter. And this is why we’re committed to finding ways to make them accessible to everyone.

Final Thoughts: Why Saunas Belong in Your Life

Saunas aren’t just a luxury—they’re a necessity in today’s fast-paced, overstimulated world. They offer a rare combination of physical and mental benefits, all while being relatively accessible by price. The challenge now is making them accessible by location, especially for communities that need them most.

So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, overworked, or just in need of a reset, consider stepping into a sauna. It might just be the self-care practice you’ve been missing.

That’s it for this week’s edition of Marcel’s Wellness Chronicles. Stay tuned for more updates, stories, and insights into the practices that can transform your life. Until next time, keep it wellness-forward and lifestyle-fierce.

With warmth (and a little steam),
Marcel & Team 🖤