Why Infared Sauna?
Need a Few Minutes to Detox, Recharge & Relax? Why Infrared Sauna May Be Worth Exploring
There are days when what we need most isn’t another supplement, another workout, or another thing to add to our wellness checklist.
Sometimes we just need 30 quiet minutes to step away, warm up, breathe, sweat, and recharge.
That’s one of the reasons I’ve grown to love using an infrared sauna.
And on a recent episode of The Well, I had the opportunity to talk with Jen Heller, host of the Homes That Heal podcast, about her incredible wellness journey and the role infrared sauna has played in her life.
A Healing Journey That Spanned Decades
Jen’s story is powerful.
Years ago, she experienced a devastating explosion that took the life of a dear friend. Although she survived, the experience became part of a much longer health journey.
Years later, Jen experienced an episode where the left side of her body became paralyzed.
That frightening experience led her to begin digging deeper into her health and asking questions about what might be affecting her body.
Over the next 30 years, Jen focused on supporting her body in a variety of ways while navigating concerns surrounding heavy metals, thyroid health, weight, environmental exposures, and overall wellness.
Along the way, she lost 100 pounds and became passionate about creating a healthier environment both inside the body and inside the home.
One wellness tool that became especially meaningful to her was infrared sauna.
Why Infrared Sauna?
Traditional saunas heat the air around you, while infrared saunas use infrared wavelengths to warm the body more directly.
For many people, the sauna becomes more than simply a place to sweat.
It becomes intentional time to slow down.
No phone.
No errands.
No one asking you a question from the other room.
Just warmth, quiet, and a few minutes dedicated to yourself.
For women who spend most of their days caring for everyone else, I think there is something incredibly valuable about that alone.
Infrared Sauna in Midlife
During my conversation with Jen, I wanted to talk specifically about sauna use for women in perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.
Because our bodies change during midlife.
Hormones fluctuate. Sleep can change. Stress may feel different. Recovery can look different than it did in our 20s and 30s.
That means our wellness routines may need to change too.
I shared my own infrared sauna routine with Jen—how often I use it, how long I stay in, the temperature I prefer, and what I do before and afterward.
Then I let her critique it!
She gave me some practical tweaks and reminders about supporting the body while using sauna, particularly during this season of life.
One of the biggest takeaways was simply this:
Pay attention to your body.
Wellness shouldn’t become another competition.
You don’t have to stay in the longest.
You don’t need the highest temperature.
And you don’t earn extra wellness points for completely exhausting yourself.
Your sauna routine should leave you feeling supported—not depleted.
Don't Forget Hydration and Minerals
Sweating means losing fluids, so hydration matters.
If infrared sauna is part of your routine, be intentional about drinking water before and after your session. Depending on how much you sweat and your individual needs, electrolytes and minerals may also be something to discuss with your healthcare provider.
And always pay attention to how you feel.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, unusual weakness, nausea, or feeling significantly worse afterward are signs to stop and reassess.
Make It Your Own Little Wellness Ritual
One of my favorite things about having an infrared sauna is turning the time into something that supports more than my physical health.
Some days I listen to a podcast.
Some days I pray.
Sometimes I listen to worship music or something encouraging.
And sometimes I simply sit in the quiet.
You could also use the time to:
Practice deep breathing
Journal before or after
Listen to an audiobook
Pray or meditate
Practice gratitude
Stretch gently afterward
Or simply do absolutely nothing
That may actually be the best part.
You Don't Have to Overhaul Your Life
This is something I come back to again and again when talking about wellness.
You don't have to change everything at once.
You don't need the perfect diet, perfect supplement routine, perfect workout plan, perfect non-toxic home, and perfect morning routine starting Monday.
Choose practices that make you feel excited to care for yourself.
For me, infrared sauna has become one of those practices.
It gives me a place to step away, sweat, breathe, recharge, and intentionally take care of my body.
And after talking with Jen, I have a few new ideas for making my routine even more supportive during midlife.
Want to Hear Jen's Full Story?
Jen’s story goes far beyond infrared sauna.
In our conversation, we talk about the explosion that changed her life, her health struggles in the years that followed, heavy metals, thyroid health, her 100-pound weight loss, creating a healthier home, and what she has learned over three decades of pursuing wellness.
And, of course, she puts my infrared sauna routine in the hot seat. 🔥
If you’re navigating perimenopause or midlife, curious about infrared sauna, or simply looking for ways to feel better while giving yourself permission to slow down, I think you’ll love this conversation.
Listen to the full episode of The Well wherever you listen to podcasts.
Here’s to finding a few minutes to detox, recharge, relax—and care for YOU.
Kari
This article shares personal experiences and general wellness information and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Speak with your healthcare provider before beginning sauna therapy, particularly if you have a medical condition, take medications, are pregnant, or have concerns about heat exposure.
