Finland is a country of thousands of lakes and millions of saunas. Therefore, it’s only natural for Finns to combine these two. I think it’s safe to say on behalf of most of the people living in Finland that the ideal Finnish sauna experience includes a refreshing swim in a lake. For me it doesn’t matter which season it is, summer or winter, sauna should always be combined with a swim in a fresh natural water. In fact, ice swimming is a big part of a Finnish winter bathing experience. It may sound scary but is in fact significantly good for you.
There have been studies in the universities of Finland which show that ice swimming improves blood circulation and boost metabolism. Frequent ice swimming can also lower your blood pressure. For me cold swimming could be considered as a hobby or even a lifestyle since I do it so frequently. During the past few years more and more people have found their way to the so-called ice baths. I find cold swimming a therapeutic way to take care of yourself. I have also experienced its anxiety-relieving effect and therefore would recommend it to anyone who’s struggling with adequate recovery or any mental health problems. One’s you enter the minus 1-degree Celsius water from the plus 90-degree Celsius sauna, there’s no room for any disturbing thoughts. There’s nothing like calming Finnish lake landscape, hot sauna and freezing cold water! Luckily there are at least nine public saunas within a twenty-kilometer radius of my home. I’m grateful to call Finland my homeland!
I would dare to say that since our daylight hours are so short during autumn and wintertime, Finns find their endorphins from saunas and cold waters. It’s also interesting that even though Finns are concerned to be quite silent and inward turning nation comparing to for example American small talk culture, we still seem to find our way next to each other half naked in a hot steamy room. In sauna there’s no need to talk. Of course, it’s allowed but it is just as normal to sit in a completely silent full sauna as in a sauna where you can hear the murmur of speech. Perhaps we value the feeling of belongingness without any conversations.
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