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All about sauna Why is cooling down important after a sauna visit?

Why is cooling down important after a sauna visit?

When you think of a sauna, you mainly think of warmth and high temperatures. Yet it’s very important to cool down properly after being in a hot sauna. Why is cooling down so important, and how can you best do it?

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What are the benefits of proper cooling down?

After spending about 15 minutes in a sauna, your body temperature rises on average by 1.5 degrees. It's important to get rid of this excess heat. But why is this important?

  • A cold shower gives a feeling of relaxation.

  • A cold shower helps your body stop sweating.

  • A cold shower improves blood circulation.

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How to cool down properly?

1. Start cooling off in the fresh air After exiting the sauna, it's best to take a walk in the fresh air. Pay close attention to your breathing so the warm air can quickly leave your lungs. However, it's important to realize that walking outside is often not enough to cool down properly—especially in summer when outdoor temperatures are higher. Additional cooling is then necessary.

2. Cool off under a shower Next, it's important to cool off thoroughly with cold water. Think of a mist shower, cold shower, cold-water hose, or a pouring bucket. During cooling, it’s important not to cool off all at once. Here's a short step-by-step guide to help you cool your body down properly with water:

  • Start with your feet and work your way up. Then move to your hands and arms. Begin with your right foot and leg, then your left foot and leg.

  • After that, you can work from your hands toward your heart—again starting with your right hand, then your left.

  • Finally, gradually move toward your head to cool it down as well.

3. Cool off in a plunge pool Cooling off in a plunge pool is the next step in the cooling process. Even though many people find it very cold, you'll come out feeling deeply relaxed.

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Can you go back into the sauna immediately after cooling down?

After properly cooling down under the shower and in the plunge pool, it's important to let your body rest and recover. During this period (about 30 minutes), it's not advisable to go straight back into a hot sauna or steam room.

In addition, it’s very important to rehydrate after cooling down, as you've lost a lot of fluids while sweating in the sauna.

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