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Have you gotten to a point in your life where you feel it’s time to make a health-oriented lifestyle change? A lot of people want to live the healthiest life possible and try to do so the best way they know how. In truth, living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated. As fitness and health fads come and go, balance always remains a key aspect in a full, happy, and healthy life. Interestingly, infrared sauna therapy can be part of that balance.

Yet, before we dive into how an infrared sauna fits into a healthy and balanced lifestyle, let’s take a look at the three major components of healthy living. Where can you improve? What are you missing?

The Three Components of Healthy Living

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” [1]. In fact, WHO considers health a fundamental right of every single person. In developed countries, most individuals have access to the information, resources and facilities to live their best life. These include the three components that contribute to healthy living, which will be broken down in the following sections:

1. Exercise

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Undeniably, exercise has an array of health benefits. Regular physical activity improves life longevity by preventing various chronic and potentially life-threatening diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cancer, obesity, depression, and osteoporosis. Studies also state that there seems to be a positive relationship between increased physical activity and health status [2].

When it comes to exercise today, there are also a ton of options to choose from, making it more accessible than ever before. All in all, regular exercise can help increase your overall happiness, help maintain a healthy weight, create a strong and resilient body, improve energy levels, decrease your risk of chronic diseases, and so much more. However, it’s important to note that without the other two components (diet and self-care), exercise may not be as effective.

2. Diet

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You can exercise as much as you want, but if your diet is a complete mess, you aren’t doing you or your health any good. Again, it comes back to balance, and you want that in your diet. Generally, this involves steering clear of pre-packaged and processed foods most of the time, and instead, eating whole foods and making your meals at home. A study published in 2014 even noted an association between processed foods and obesity. Researchers analyzed households in Brazil from 2008 to 2009, and found that households with a greater access to ultra-processed foods were more likely to be obese or have excess weight [3].

Within your diet, you also want a variety of foods so that you can obtain the nutrients, vitamins and minerals your body needs to function at its best. Make sure each meal contains a good balance of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats.

3. Self-Care

The last component of healthy living is self-care, which includes your mental health and well-being, rest, self-resiliency, and more. It comes down to taking care of yourself beyond exercise and diet. Many experts recommend mindset tactics, such as meditation, breathing exercises and gratitude. Included with self-care in the incorporation of infrared sauna therapy. But how can infrared saunas help you in this endeavor?

Infrared Saunas for Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Unlike traditional saunas, an infrared sauna uses infrared waves to heat the body. This provides a relaxing and calming experience, as well as other various health benefits. Research indicates that infrared saunas may help reduce fatigue, improve energy levels, increase one’s mood, and decrease anxiety and depression [4]. Other studies have also shown that they may help with post-workout recovery and muscle soreness, leading some experts to recommend infrared sauna therapy following an exercise session [5].

Typically, individuals use infrared saunas for 10-30 minutes intervals. If it’s your first time, it’s recommended to stay in the sauna no longer than 15 minutes. You’ll want to make sure you’re hydrated, so drink lots of water or bring a water bottle with you. You may also choose to bring something to do while in the sauna, like your phone to listen to music or a book to read.

Are you ready to start living a healthy lifestyle? Analyze your diet, exercise routine and think about self-care tactics you can also begin including – such as infrared sauna therapy. Take that first step today and start paving your way toward better health

Resources:

[1] “Who We Are - Constitution.” Who.int, World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/constitution.

[2] Bredin S, Nicol C, and Warburton D. (2006). “Health Benefits Of Physical Activity: The Evidence.” Cmaj.ca, Joule Inc., 14 March 2006, https://www.cmaj.ca/content/174/6/801.abstract.

[3] Canella DS, Levy RB, Martins APB, Claro RM, Moubarac J-C, Baraldi LG, et al. (2014). “Ultra-Processed Food Products And Obesity In Brazilian Households (2008–2009).” Journals.plos.org, PLOS, 25 March 2014, https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0092752.

[4] Masuda A, Miyata M, et al. (2015). “Effects Of Waon Therapy On Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Pilot Study.” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25748743.

[5] Mero A, Tornberg J, Mäntykoski M, Puurtinen R. (2015). “Effects Of Far-Infrared Sauna Bathing On Recovery From Strength And Endurance Training Sessions In Men.” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, National Center for Biotechnology Information, 7 July 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4493260/.