What are your thoughts on cold weather?
Most people don’t mind winter because they get to do fun winter things, like skiing or snowboarding.
I do not like winter. I WISH I loved winter sports, but I am not a fan. It’s just so much hassle putting on all those layers, and I’m terrified of hurting myself…
Instead, my winter “sports” are things that make feel super hot - especially sauna.
Let’s dive into why getting HOT comes with health benefits and why I decided to purchase a Higher Dose Sauna Blanket!
Benefits of sauna
Saunas seem to be part of every wellness influencer's routine for a reason.
Here are some of the proven benefits of sauna:
Sweating for supporting detoxification (including clearing heavy metals, BPA, and phthalates)
Reducing stress and improving mood
Increasing blood flow and circulation
Improving immune health
Improving skin health and appearance
Reducing joint pain and stiffness
Plus, when my clients are on a gut protocol, supporting detox and drainage is something we are constantly working on. Sauna and/or sweating is one of my favorite methods to support the body when eradicating gut overgrowths.
Sauna Blanket FAQs
In the wintertime I CRAVE being warm. I am the person who is wearing 4 layers and complaining that it’s too damn cold.
One day I will have $$$ to invest in a sauna that I can sit in, but until then, the Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket does the job!
How do you wash/clean the sauna blanket?
There is actually an insert that’s made from organic cotton. It’s like a washable thick towel that slips right into the sauna blanket. So the inside of the sauna blanket stays clean!
What do you wear when you’re in the sauna blanket?
Because I have the insert, I can go in my birthday suit. If you don’t have the insert, you would have to wear long sleeves and pants and socks, since the blanket surface gets very hot.
Is it infrared?
A typical infrared sauna offers full-spectrum infrared rays, while this sauna blanket offers far infrared rays. Far infrared rays may help deliver a deep detoxifying sweat and allow your body to push out toxins, increasing your heart rate and help get healthy soft glowing skin.
How often do you use it?
In the winter, I shoot for at least twice a week! It’s a perfect way to relax after a workout, or wind down at the end of the day.
How long do you lay there and what do you do while you’re laying there?
I aim for 30-45 minutes. I usually listen to a podcast. Sometimes I’ll meditate, talk on the phone, or watch TV.
How hot does it get?
Pretty hot, but not AS hot a standard sauna. I do wish it got hotter… it takes me about 20 minutes to start sweating, even when I have it cranked to maximum heat.
Where do you store it?
That’s the beauty of this sauna - it rolls up so you can store it in a closet or under the bed.
Overall, I highly recommend a sauna blanket if you love being warm and want to make sauna a convenient part of your routine!
Other ways to get hot
If you’re not ready to invest in a sweat burrito like the Higher Dose Sauna Blanket, there are other ways to heat your body.
Increasing our temperature can help with clearing out toxins, improving lymphatic movement, flighting infections, and raising our oxytocin levels. Getting hot can help with general health and boosting your mood - no wonder saunas are so foundational in many cultures!
Here are some ideas to get hot:
Sauna - also beneficial for stress relief and mood elevation
Hot yoga - a great low-impact, yet challenging exercise
Hot baths - accessible way to get the body relaxed and release oxytocin
Get to a beach or out in the sun - I know, this is a tough one for a lot of climates, but scheduling a beach/sunny vacation is always a good idea!
Hot foods - focus on hot soups, broths and beverages
Heated blankets/pads - an easy way to increase warmth!
I often recommend sauna and sweating to my clients as part of a gut protocol - sure, we start with on diet & nutrition, but lifestyle strategies are also a major piece!
The individualized 1:1 support is often my clients' favorite part of their time working with me. We start with diet changes, but there is so much more that can be layered on to move the needle towards optimal health!