You know, everyone’s always going on about self-care this, wellness that. I used to think it was a load of rubbish, honestly. Especially with my crazy schedule, who has the time, right? I was running on fumes, my skin looked like a teenager’s again – and not in a good way – and sleep? What was sleep?

Then my friend Sarah, she’s one of those super zen types, kept nagging me about trying the sauna at her gym. ‘Just try it once,’ she said. I was like, ‘Sit in a hot box? No thanks.’ But one day, I was so frazzled, I actually caved. Figured, what’s the worst that can happen? I sweat a bit?

First time was weird. Just sat there, sweating. Felt a bit pointless. Did it a few more times, mostly ’cause Sarah wouldn’t shut up about it. Wasn’t expecting much, to be honest.

But then, slowly, things started to change. It wasn’t like a miracle overnight, more like a gradual thing. I started keeping a sort of mental log, you know? And looking back, man, it’s like night and day. People ask me what I’m doing different, and I always say, it’s my little secret, but it’s mostly that steamy room.

My Sweat Journey: How Sauna Changed Things Up

Okay, so I’m no doctor, right? This is just my experience. But after sticking with it, I mean really sticking with it for months, almost a year now, I’ve jotted down a few things. It’s like my own little list of what this whole sauna thing did for me. Some folks talk about, like, ‘8 big benefits’ or whatever, and I guess I found my own version of that.

• First off, my skin. Oh my god, my skin. It used to be so angry, all red and bumpy. Now? It’s clearer, smoother. I actually go out without makeup sometimes, which was unthinkable before. I reckon all that sweating just flushes out the gunk.

• And sleeping! I used to be a champion insomniac. Seriously. Now, after a good sauna session in the evening, I’m out like a light. It’s that deep kind of tired, but in a good way. My body just feels… done. Relaxed.

• Speaking of relaxing, the stress just melts away. I’d go in there with my head buzzing like a beehive, full of work worries, life stuff. After 20 minutes, I’d come out feeling like a noodle, but a very calm noodle. My shoulders aren’t up by my ears anymore.

  

• Then there’s this feeling of being ‘clean’ from the inside. I don’t know how else to put it. You sweat so much, it feels like you’re getting rid of all sorts of stuff. I just feel lighter afterwards, less bloated.

• My muscles too. I’m not a gym bunny, but I get sore from just, you know, life. Sitting at a desk, carrying groceries. The heat really helps soothe those aches. It’s like a warm hug for your muscles.

• And I don’t get cold as easily. My hands and feet used to be like ice blocks, even in summer. Not so much anymore. Guess my blood’s flowing better or something.

• This might sound weird, but I feel like I get sick less. I used to catch every bug going around. Now? Touch wood, but I’ve been pretty solid. Maybe it’s the heat, maybe it’s the stress relief, who knows?

  

• And overall, I just have more energy. It’s not like a caffeine buzz, more like a steady, calm energy. Probably because I’m sleeping better and less stressed. It all adds up, right?

It’s funny, I started this whole sauna thing thinking it was just another wellness fad. Like those green juices everyone was obsessed with a few years back. Remember that? My fridge was full of kale for a month, and then I just couldn’t anymore. Tasted like lawn clippings. But the sauna, it stuck. It wasn’t a quick fix, it was something I had to commit to, make it a routine.

I even tried to get my sister into it. She’s like I used to be, thinks it’s all a bit woo-woo. Last time I saw her, she was complaining about her skin and how tired she was. I just smiled and said, ‘You know, I know this little hot room…’ She rolled her eyes, but maybe one day she’ll try it. People gotta find their own way, I guess.

So yeah, that’s my story. No magic pills, no expensive creams, just me and a hot room a few times a week. It’s not like it solved all my problems, life’s still life. But it definitely made dealing with it a whole lot better. For me, as a woman juggling a million things, it’s been a game changer. Maybe it’s not for everyone, but man, I’m glad Sarah kept bugging me about it. Sometimes, your friends know what’s good for you, even when you’re too stubborn to see it.