Earlier this year, I was on the brink of burnout. My journey as a freelance journalist seemed to be hanging by a thread, I was balancing a chaotic family life, and I was filled with anxiety about a world bent on calamity. I also faced the sorrow of losing a close relative and an old school friend. Mourning had become my constant state. Despite the support from my family and friends, I sought a means to manage this nearly overpowering feeling of grief.
I explored meditation, yoga, and therapy, which provided some relief. Then I discovered Community Sauna Baths, a non-profit initiative in London aimed at making saunas available and affordable for all. From my very first experience there, I sensed a shift. A wave of tranquility washed over me. The space immediately felt like a refuge, a serene spot amid the frantic city that also allowed me to ease this swirling sadness and let go of some of the bottled-up tension.
Now, I frequent it often. I usually go by myself, but the vibe is always warm and inviting, making it easy to chat with fellow visitors. Even during peak times, people are considerate in sharing sauna bench space. There’s a real sense of togetherness.
I’ve come to realize the numerous advantages of saunas. They alleviate stress through the release of endorphins and aid in enhancing cardiovascular and muscle health. My hamstrings, which often felt as though they were permanently stiff, have significantly relaxed. I feel so much more flexible now. I also take pleasure in the sensory aspects of the sauna: the aroma of the wood, the sound of water sizzling on hot rocks – and, albeit to a lesser extent, the refreshing shock of the cold plunge pools afterward, where I generally last just a few seconds before exiting …
I’ve always taken pride in my ability to withstand heat. Partly, I presume, it’s due to my mother’s Anglo-Indian heritage; partly, it stems from spending a few childhood years in the blistering Middle East. Yet I often – rather naively – perceived this comfort with high temperatures as some sort of test of endurance.
I had occasionally gone to saunas before, but those visits turned into contests about how long I could endure, with my perspiration-soaked body and burnt nostrils earning me some odd badge of perseverance. The therapeutic aspect seemed to evaporate in the heat.
However, my current sauna experiences feel like exercises in mindfulness; the warmth helps me remain focused and grounded. It seems as if my negative emotions are being washed away. It’s akin to a thorough cleansing for both body and spirit.
I come out of a session invigorated, feeling both profoundly relaxed and oddly revitalized. It aids in reestablishing my emotional equilibrium. Physically and mentally, I feel more agile, as if some of my past worries have literally dissipated. My future may still hold uncertainties, but I am now ready to face it with renewed energy and purpose.
