I’ve said it a million times, but I really do have the best friends. Everytime there’s something to celebrate, we like to have unforgettable experiences together. Something usually we’ve never done before. Our adventures are second-to-none. This time, we booked a private barrel sauna at Sauna Camps in Excelsior, MN on what seemed to be the coldest day of winter so far. Windchill was -9°!!! Walking down to the lake with red fingers and frozen faces, we were all second-guessing our choices.

After we got changed into our swimsuit (–PSA, it’d be smart to come suited up already), they showed us our 6 person sauna and gave us the lowdown on what to expect. We had the sauna for 2 hours and that was the perfect amount of time.

Let me give you a little list of things you’ll need to pack to be comfortable:
1. Swimsuit, towel, sandals and socks are optional to dip in with.
2. Hair clip or binder (preferably not metal cause it gets so hot in your hair), winter hat, and some people had gloves too.
3. Sweats to change into after, warm socks, boots.

We sat in the sauna until we were uncomfortably hot and mustered up the courage to go check out the water. There’s nothing like a little healthy bit of peer pressure to finally get you to take the plunge. It was so freaking cold, it hurt. Pins-and-needles-on-steroids-cold. Some people were sitting in the water for minutes—like actually a really long time. None of us could stand longer than 10 seconds max. My legs physically gave out on me several occasions after getting out of the water, falling to the ground. But we ran to our sauna and warmed up again quickly. Never have I imagine ever doing a cold plunge—and then repeating it 5 times over! That water was intense. I said it was sort of like childbirth: it’s awful while you’re in pain but the second it’s over, you think you can do it again. So you do, and then think the same thing all over again.

Sauna and cold plunge therapy, often referred to as contrast therapy, offers several physical and mental health benefits. Here's an overview of why combining these practices is beneficial:

Improved Circulation

• The heat from the sauna dilates blood vessels, increasing circulation and delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues.

• The cold plunge constricts blood vessels, reducing inflammation and flushing out metabolic waste.

• Alternating between heat and cold creates a "vascular workout," improving overall circulation and cardiovascular health.

Enhanced Recovery

• Athletes and fitness enthusiasts use contrast therapy to reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery after workouts.

• The sauna relaxes tight muscles, while the cold plunge reduces swelling and inflammation.

Boosted Immune Function

• Sauna sessions stimulate white blood cell production, which can enhance the immune system.

• The cold plunge may further boost immunity by increasing norepinephrine levels, which helps regulate inflammation.

Stress Relief

• Heat promotes the release of endorphins, the body's natural "feel-good" hormones, inducing relaxation.

• The cold plunge provides a mental challenge that improves resilience to stress over time and enhances mood.

Better Sleep

• Sauna use helps the body relax and prepare for rest.

• The cold plunge can reset your body temperature, which may improve sleep quality.

Skin and Detoxification

• The sauna opens pores and promotes sweating, which can help remove toxins.

• The cold plunge tightens skin and reduces redness, improving skin tone and elasticity.

Mental Clarity and Focus

• Alternating heat and cold increases blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function and mental clarity.

  The practice demands mindfulness and helps you stay present, enhancing mental resilience.
  

You absolutely should book a day here (or wherever you’re local) with your friends this winter! An unforgettable adventure to say the least. Then after, we got sushi at Yumi down the street and it was delicious!

Hope you create lifelong memories with your friends, too!!