2: Happiness For Tourists (Nikash Kakarla)

Treatments in regards to saunas and spas have been shown to provide many benefits to the body and helps one relax, but its important to understand that the effectiveness of the treatment and the benefits that saunas offer are based on the perception one carry’s before and after the treatment. One of the many benefits of saunas is the relaxing effect and its ability to increase serotonin levels which leads to greater feelings of joy and less anxiety. With the increase of serotonin levels this helps decrease stresses that may be caused by environmental factors. The issue however, is that there isn’t a widely accessible methods for those who may not be able to afford it as sauna treatment to experience it. Sauna treatments vary in price points but most of the times its a very expensive process. Within the article, the author mentioned how people in metropolitan areas such as New York and Finland find it difficult to find to find affordable saunas.

Although it my not be accessible for all, once one has the opportunity to experience a sauna, they should be inclined to allow for the spiritual and mental state of their self’s to slow down and fully emerge themselves into the experience to gain its full potential. During the lectures I learned about the adversities one may face which can lead to physiological changes during the sauna but letting go of ones perceptions and fears will allow a complete experience and one should develop a state of full calmness while in the sauna. Within the NYT article, this idea is reinforced as wellness is not solely obtained though the physical treatment alone. The author exemplifies her experience while in New York on creating a sense of wellness; however she only achieves this feeling when recalling the Finnish idea that soundness and wellness is about the appreciation of the natural environment and simplicities. 

Many may counter argue and encourage the idea that it simply is a placebo effect that is pushed to allow for money to be generated, but this opinion must be digressed. Learning information through lectures and experiencing this sauna first hand has taught me that the benefits do indeed exist and it was quite enjoyable indeed. The sauna experience within Norderney was one of the best excursions I had the pleasure of experiencing. The various therapies that were offered were absolutely splendid and I would highly advise family and friends alike to enjoy their stay at the badehause. Similar to me, the author also reached a discovery that differing spa treatments reached differing states of emotions which illustrates that the treatment can also be tailored to ones inner self and help them full experience the benefits. A state of wellness can differ from person to person so it is important to reflect into ones tastes and see which one truly fits their needs. Although the treatment itself can attribute to many qualities akin to rejuvenation, it is critical to focus on the human condition as well and find that a shift in minds set to find beauty within the day to day life and ones simple surrounding can also lead to an overall better lifestyle and wellness. Stay spa treatin, cause ya never know when you’ll be getting a beatin!

2: Happiness for Tourists? (Samantha Fehlis)

 I enjoyed my experience in the sauna on Norderney, but I did not think it was something life changing or that I would be interested in doing regularly. There were moments of the extreme heat that were very pleasant, but the lack of privacy and general nudity did not appeal to me. This highlighted a large cultural attitude difference between the United States and Europe regarding privacy and the body. I prefer to relax and decompress by myself without the added layer of social dynamics in a shared space. 

On the whole, saunas and spas can provide people a relaxing and pleasant experience but they should not be used as a replacement for real treatment and therapy. The actual health benefits have very questionable evidence as we learned during class and on the island, but that doesn't eliminate how they can be a tool to relax in stressful periods of life. Self care is incredibly important to make sure one does not reach a point of burn out. However, while resting in the sauna or getting a massage are great experiences, if you don’t actually adjust your mindset these activities are not a cure all, as Britta Lokting noted in her New York Times article. 

Real benefits can only come from serious decisions to be more mindful and intentional about one’s health. Reducing stress is one method to improve health, but exercise, eating well, and sleeping well are much more important. If partaking in saunas and spas can contribute to someone feeling better in life than I am all for that, but we can’t expect miracles from one activity. Lokting’s article made a great point of this, impressing that many choices have to be made to improve your quality of life. 

2: Happiness for Tourists? (Olivia Cotton)

    Sauna and spa treatments, much like any other therapeutic techniques, require commitment and openness to the full experience to see their benefits. In order to feel better and let oneself go, you must first give in to the process and allow yourself to be uncomfortable then transformed. Sauna and spa culture is not popular in the U.S. (besides the spa days bought by those that can afford it), which leads to the uneasy feeling when first experiencing this. However, this uneasiness can lead to mental health benefits once one gets accustomed.

    Going to the Badehaus in Norderney was not my first experience with saunas and bathhouses, which is probably why it felt so natural for myself to be in this environment again. Living in Japan I’ve had the opportunity to go to onsens and experience a similar culture. My first time however, was not as relaxing and beneficial as the subsequent times, as I was worried about how well I was “doing” the onsen. Instead of focusing on my own relaxation, I was focusing on if I had cleaned my body the right way, and if I was holding the towel how those in Japan did. While it’s true that most of these worries vanished once I got in the soothing mineral waters, there was still a level of anxiety due to the unknown of this experience. Since that first trip to the onsen though, I have gone again and gave in to the whole process, allowing myself the relaxation promised by many.

    Coming to Norderney, I was excited to experience this culture again, even though there are definitely many differences between the two. Being in the Badehaus made not just my body feel relaxed, but my mind as well. I let go of personal problems I was pondering and stayed present in the way the salt water eased my muscles and spirits. I left feeling lighter than before, an experience that would be shared by many.

    After reading Britta Lokting’s article, my simple stance is this: she did not do it right. Most things in life come with practice, and the first time is always uncomfortable. This is a principle and motto I tend to live by, as it reaps pretty positive results. To Lokting, the sauna was of little help and all happiness hacks she found in Norway failed in her daily New York City lifestyle. Perhaps this was due to the fact that she was trying too hard, as she acknowledged, or it was the poor infrastructure for long term happiness in the U.S. and her own personal issues getting in the way. Instead of seeking the sauna and nature for relaxation and enjoyment, she clouded this with her own need to check a box on her contentment to-do list. If you can not find these techniques readily in the U.S., then pivot to find your own personal brand of happiness, however that may be. Happiness is not a commodity someone simply buys by booking a ticket to Helsinki, but a skill one practices through time and effort, along with the knowledge of what your body needs.

While yes, a spa and sauna experience can not fully gift you unlimited happiness in life, it can improve your wellbeing if you let it. While the physical benefits may not be there, calling for more thorough research, the mental health ones are up to you. Leave your feelings at the door and think about the way your body feels in its environment. Listen to the sounds of nature and the textures you feel to ground yourself and build a connection between your body and the earth. Concrete and glass will only push this connection further apart, so relish the little things and understand where people are coming from in history with the innately human experience it is to find relaxation in the earth. Sauna and a dip in the North Sea can clear your head and bring you a sense of peace you’ve never felt before, if only you let it. 

2: Happiness for Tourist? : Payten Jackson

 Suanas and Chasing Happiness

    

    Suanas have been used for hundreds of years, including Nordeney, which has been a Spa Island since the 1700s. Sweat baths have been in existence since prehistoric times, with the Fins officially giving it the name "Suana", which means to cleanse the body and spirit. Suana usage has been associated with emotional and physical therapy, and there has been limited research to prove its effectiveness in improving the physical state of an individual, but emotional treatment is harder to prove. Chasing the idea of happiness through various activities does not lead to genuine happiness, and instead ends with comparison.

    After reading the article from The New York Times (31 March 2025), it can be concluded that chasing happiness does not lead to the actual feeling. The author of the article was constantly in the mindset of "well, if it works for them, it will work for me," which is an unproductive approach. Yes, Finland has been awarded as one of the happiest countries on the planet, but more factors contribute to that than the author addressed. The author of the article would ask others for advice on what she could do to be happy, but she never asked herself what made her happy. She was constantly looking outward for an answer instead of looking inward. Going to saunas or talking to nature is not going to suddenly cure loneliness or sadness, when the next idea is to compare. 

    The common phrase "comparison is the thief of joy" is threaded throughout this article. The author compares the residents, the governments, and the cultures, but fails to recognize the beauty in these differences. I agree that the United States has multiple ways it can improve to help its citizens feel more appreciated and valued, but as society continues to change, it is necessary to seek value in oneself first. The author only ever felt happy when she stopped comparing and copying exactly what the Fins do, but instead modified it to fit her daily life. Walking with her dog and releasing her feelings into nature made her content once she realized that her situation was not the same. Her journey shows that things like saunas and forests cannot bring happiness until the idea of what happiness should look like is no longer chased.

    When I went to the Bade-House in Nordeney, I was excited to experience my first sauna and the other amenities. The first obstacle was that nakedness was required within the sauna, which is not common in the United States. As I undressed to get into the sauna, I started to get a little nervous, but I knew it would be worth it. Once I got in and sat down, and conversed with the other girls, I enjoyed how peaceful it was. The sound of the rocks shrinking and expanding under the heat and the smell of the wood made me relax. Dr. Wasser had taught us that sweating would increase and become faster the more often the sauna was used. After washing off with cold water, then going to the next sauna, I did notice I would start sweating faster, which made the sauna more comfortable. 

    When it was time to leave the Bade-House, my skin was supple and rejuvenated, and after a week of biking, my muscles finally felt relaxed. Of course, my experience will be much different than the person next to me, and I understand that. I enjoyed the suanas and the different pools, but other people may not have had a good experience. This is why it is good to not compare what you find happiness in to what another person might not. Even if I did not enjoy the saunas, I would not go "I did everything like the Germans, I should be happy now." This line of logic will leave one chasing instead of being grounded. When the author finally stopped trying to be like other people, she found what brought her joy.

    Emotions are a fluid idea, constantly changing and not at a set point. This is why it is important not to base contentment on others. People find joy in many ways, whether it be partying, reading, exercising, or going to saunas. Stepping away from comparison is the biggest step forward toward individuality.

Payten

2: Happiness for Tourists (Thomas)

From my Personal Experience, I believe the sauna is good if performed for its proven benefits: providing an acute sensation and momentary distraction. While there are many claims of sauna's benefits, anywhere from “it’s good to sweat” to pseudoscience of the highest order, I believe that sauna on its own is harmless. The danger of sauna arises from those who see it as the ultimate solution rather than a therapeutic tool to accompany modern medicine when treating illnesses. Once, when I was shadowing an oncologist, there was a sweet man accompanied by a not-so-sweet spouse who both believed wholeheartedly that traditional medicine was out to get them and would only receive medical advice if it was considered “alternative medicine”. One of these alternative therapies presented by the couple was the sauna. That man had stage 2 colorectal cancer. This is very treatable if a treatment plan is started early, but with the promise of “alternative” therapies that had lofty claims behind them, not supported by research or any medical personnel on the planet, but rather sung by sauna enthusiasts, that man would choose only these miracle waters until it was too late. This is the problem when therapeutics and practices get too big for their britches. Nothing is inherently wrong with astrology, chiropractors, or saunas. The problems begin when people declare that astrology will determine your future, chiropractors can cure heart disease, and saunas can cure cancer. No clinically supported treatment will ever be able to compete with the assurance of resolution that these pseudosciences peddle. 

Additionally, the practice of sauna, with sudden changes in surface body temperature, swift dehydration, and increased cardiac output, should be monitored by healthcare professionals. I was amazed how a local swimming pool has lifeguards, but the human furnace is relatively unsupervised. I have no qualms with sauna if done properly, but the potential heart fatigue, kidney strain, and blood osmolarity changes seem to be to likely, given the environment, to not require monitoring personnel or even a hydration blood test at the door. 

I found the New York Times article very sad. The author traveled across the globe in the search for happiness, to then bring home to be practiced in New York. This is almost the hero's journey, except she didn’t find the boon. As she experienced the Finnish cold plunges and talked with trees, I’m sure she had a great relaxing vacation, but upon returning to the US, she rooted her purpose in replicating this foreign lifestyle. I do not think happiness is found in practices such as these. Similar to her cold plunge experience, I think true happiness is found in doing something hard and prevailing. I believe that true happiness is found in taking on responsibilities and fulfilling them. This is why people weightlift, run, take a hard major, help others, start families, take on new jobs, and strive for excellence. The happiness is in the challenge, not in the trees. 

She acquired tools to substitute valuable things in the human experience, such as relationships, which is fine if there are no platonic relationships to be had, but instead of substituting them, I feel the focus should be on acquiring them. With the conclusion and key to happiness being “Quiet the mind, and find pleasure in small acts and observations”, this is only a shell of a revelation. You cannot persist in a zen state all the time. To be truly happy, you need to learn to love the chaos just as much as the still of the storm. To be truly happy, we need to humble ourselves and recognize our total powerlessness in the world, and yet trudge forward anyway. If happiness is all that we seek, we will never achieve the most valuable experiences found in sacrifice, hard work, and grief. 

The article, class, and my own experiences connect as they all point to the danger of harmless practices when people entrust them with their ultimate healing. The article walks us through the thoughts of the author as she attempts to use sauna culture, independently innocuous, to rid off all her sadness and bring about ultimate joy. Our class has walked us through the harmlessness of sauna unless performed in unsafe conditions: dehydrated, inebriated, or exhausted. And my own experience has shown me that sauna is great if used as intended, but can be adverse to patient health if perceived as a cure-all. 

In Conclusion, sauna and sauna culture pose a grave danger if perceived by an individual as the steam baths of ultimate healing. Only sour disappointment awaits those who attempt to sweat away their autoimmune disease or cold plunge away their cancers. If, however, one perceives sauna as an accompanying therapy to traditional medicine, it can be used responsibly, providing relaxation at a minimum with no major adverse effects. Finally, from a philosophical point of view, as it relates to the New York Times article, I do not think that sauna culture can ever replace growth as a human through responsibility and challenge. 

2: Happiness for Tourists (Victoria Gomez)

 Saunas = Happiness?

    When I saw the itinerary included a trip to a spa island with luxury saunas I was more than excited. Ignorant to German and Finnish culture of saunas, my idea of the sauna experience was far from what we participated in. I had associated a sauna to the limited knowledge I obtain from my local gym. But my time spent on the quaint island of Nordeney forever altered what a sauna will mean to me.

 The entire week leading up to the saunas were spent being lectured by our professors on the theory and actual statistics accompanied by this idea of thelasso therapy. We were educated on the theory that although there is little concrete evidence on the physical healing aspect of saunas, there is more material backing of a positive mental health result. Before even entering the sanctuary that contained the saunas, I made a mental pact with myself to open myself up to this new unique experience. As someone who is chronically stressed and anxious, I knew this was something I needed and I wanted to put forth my best efforts to reach this alleged relaxation the saunas provided. Upon entering the sauna I was excited due to the amount of buildup I endured for this whole experience. I knew the sauna would be hot, but my word was I not even in the ballpark of how hot it actually was. Initially I was overwhelmed by the amount of heat being wafted in my face, but the smell of salts cleared my sinuses as well as my mind. With each sauna I went in, I gained confidence and comfort with the whole process. Even though I wasn’t inherently more stressed or anxious, I felt little to no effect after each sauna regarding my mental wellbeing. On a physical aspect, I did feel refreshed and like I could smell colors from miles away. The idea that saunas possess a healing factor may be subjective to the person going through the process. Although the healing factors of saunas may not be a universal application, it can still serve as an enjoyable experience of culture and relaxation. 

    In the article “Finland Says It Can Teach Tourists to Be Happy. Challenge Accepted.”, the author embarks on a quest to discover the key to happiness. In doing this she employs multiple strategies that are suggested to provide a sense of happiness. She finds these strategies on her stay in Finland through multiple people. Each held a foundation of staying embedded in nature and having a foundation of appreciating the little moments within life. But even when the author went through with these methods, they fell short and she was plagued with loneliness. She would search for happiness wherever she went. The author finally concludes that happiness is different for everyone. What makes one person happy may not apply to everyone else. I personally love reading and movies while my best friend enjoys exercising and going out. The key to achieving happiness is something everyone will struggle to find if they search for it endlessly. 

    The process of going to a sauna is one meant for relaxation and a spiritual renewing. This process can fall short if one is without the correct heart posture. The article given to us from the NYT was a stark demonstration of this. If one goes tirelessly searching for something, they often do not fins it and miss what is in front of them. Her continuation of looking for happiness never works until she takes time to pause and look around her. This stillness and calm, similar to that of a sauna, is difficult to achieve if your thoughts are clouded by external factors. The sauna, although having no physical benefits, aids in isolating this calm and breeding a detoxifying sentiment in an ideal scenario. Even if one does not feel the spiritual renewal others experience, saunas are one thing that if you get the opportunity face it with an open heart and a cold shower nearby! 

Thanks & gig’em,

Victoria Gomez

    

    

2: Happiness for Tourists (Anna Beth)

     According to Lucius' father in Thermae Romae Novae, "They [Roman baths] are celebrations of our way of life... in war and in life...if you cannot rest your body and rejuvenate your strength, giving any endeavor your best is impossible" (Episode 1). Lucius, as the main character, is inspired by the collaboration of his grandfather and father to cultivate and protect the future of Rome by providing a tranquil space for relaxation and release of unwanted tension for its citizens. While this could be considered a very dramatic statement about the role of the Roman baths, the function of such baths, as well as saunas, could be considered a highly beneficial practice for the awareness and appreciation of a supple body and calm mind.

    The article provides a resonation for any burnout American, who desires a sense of release from the heavy demands of life. As a collegiate athlete, I understand the need to relax my mind from the academic studies and my legs and core from activities of riding. Though I do not really think talking to trees will give me peace, I agree with the author that the Nordic practice of saunas can engage the release of stress through an active conscious presence of mind. As the author describes, I also experienced a sense of glow and renewal as I walked out of the sauna into the open air. 

    However, when is hot too hot? My little brother came to visit me as I studied in Costa Rica, and as a fun adventure I took him to hot springs warmed by the local volcano. When we jumped into the hottest bath advertised by the springs, my brother and I took one look at each other... and screamed! We got of there as fast as our burned bodies could take us. During the sauna experience in Germany, I gritted my teeth while the hot löyl was wafted towards me by the ritual fan. Instead of pursuing this experience as a point for relaxation, I was engaged in a battle of physical fortitude to withstand such temperatures!  Is this a correct approach to the sauna and hot baths? When can too much become too much? I am not able to answer that question here, but it is an exploratory question to ask about the possible exchange I made between fighting through the burning pain and the peaceful relaxation I had initially come for. 

    Looking back on my experience from the Badehaus, I wish I could incorporate such practices at home. The least I can do is a hot shower after a long day. As a last reflection, the Badehaus (and class lectures about the sauna) has changed my views on relaxation and the particular care I need to apply to my body and mind. I have discovered a purpose to rejuvenate my strength through the usage of the manipulation of environmental conditions.

2: Happiness For Tourists (Kendall Austin)

     Sauna and spa treatments can be extremely beneficial, but it is important to understand that the extent of the benefits depends on the mindset you carry into the treatment and whether or not you maintain that mindset after. The primary benefit of sauna and spa treatments is that it feels good. When you feel good you are more relaxed and it is easier to let go of stress. An issue with these wellness experiences is that they are usually very expensive and not accessible to many people. In the article, the author wrote that it was difficult to find affordable experiences in New York compared to Finland.

    To be able to deeply feel the benefits you have to allow your mind and body to slow down and take in the experience. From class, I know that there are many physiological changes that occur when in a sauna, but achieving the feeling of relaxation requires you to choose to be in a calm mindset. The NYT article supports the argument that wellness is not obtained through treatment alone. The author writes about her experience trying to create the feeling of wellness in New York, but she achieves this feeling only after remembering the Finnish idea that wellness is about the pleasure of simplicity and nature.

    Spa treatments can be seen as genuinely helpful or as a placebo used to make money. It depends on the mindset you take into it. I found my sauna experience on Norderney very relaxing because I was in the mindset that I wanted to enjoy and get the most out of it. Previously, I have had spa experiences where I was not able to relax because I couldn't let go of the responsibilities it felt like I was putting off. This is similar to how the author of the article had conflicting experiences when doing the same wellness activities, but on different days in different settings. The NYT article supports the argument that wellness is not obtained through treatment alone. She eventually discovered that a different kind of activity than sauna or spas helped her reach the feeling of wellness. Wellness is a state of being that can be reached differently by everyone. Even though the spa experiences feel relaxing and rejuvenating, finding the beauty and simplicity in life around her had a larger impact on her long-term wellness. You are able to find wellness in the sauna and spa, but maintaining that feeling beyond the experience requires you to remember the reasons behind it.

2: Happiness for tourists (Michelle Estrada)

Mindfulness and relaxation are a skill. One that comes easily and naturally to some cultures like the Finns and the Germans, but much harder to others. Living, studying, and working in America means that wellbeing often takes a backseat. We compete with each other over who slept the least amount of hours, laugh about being on our fourth cup of coffee, and see incessant work as noble and admirable. 

It is unbelievable to me still that in Germany stress is a pathology serious enough to warrant a prescribed beach and sauna stay. Meanwhile stress in America feels like the default. It is something you accept and don't do much about. Therefore, many of us simply don't know how to relax. 

    I found myself relating to the author of the NYT article during my sauna experience and my overall stay in Norderney. I heard of the therapeutic effects of the island, took notes on the tradition of the sauna, and prepared myself for the ultimate German relaxation practice. Although I enjoyed the experience thoroughly I never quite felt relaxed. Just as the author didn't feel quite happy despite doing all the "right" things while under the tutelage of the Finnish locals. Lying in the warmth of the salt pools I realized that I could not recall a recent time where I could be somewhere where nothing was expected of me for an indefinite amount of time. My mind often wandered back to all the work I still needed to get done, which in turn made me stress about not relaxing and making the most out of the experience. I was surprised that within the Badehaus there was an absence of clocks and no easy way to tell time for the most part. Germans who visit the sauna don't come bearing the responsibilities of the future in mind, they come in order to enjoy the present. 

    I concluded that to fully enjoy the benefits of the sauna and thalasso one must also employ the correct state of mind, which depending on the kind of environment you're accustomed to can be quite tricky to achieve. Happiness and relaxation are not clear destinations, and as such we can’t arrive at them solely through following a procedure and checking off items in a list. I've spent my college years under constant stress and moving from one thing to the next as quickly as possible, so mindful pause feels unfamiliar. 

That being said, this experience in conjunction with a different cultural perspective raised my self awareness regarding the lack of mindfulness in my everyday life, and made me realize that maybe stress doesn’t have to be the default. Maybe that’s the first step in honing that skill within myself.

2: Happiness for Tourists (Aidan)

 Saunas can offer a few health benefits like improved blood circulation, relaxation, muscle recovery, and potential cardiovascular improvements due to the heat exposure. Regular sauna use can also reduce stress and sometimes promote better sleep. However, they do have issues like excessive heat can cause dehydration, dizziness, or even heat stroke if not used properly. Being in a sauna for too long can be dangerous, same with using saunas with alcohol. It is really a matter of responsibility. 

The NYT article “Finland Says It Can Teach Tourists to Be Happy” highlights how Finland’s sauna, food, and community contribute to mental well-being. It says that saunas are everywhere and accessible to the public. The article states saunas are tourist attractions and they offer relaxation that can improve sleep, memory, and stress levels. The article makes saunas sound like a social equalizer in a way, improving the local and public physically, socially and spiritually. 

The physical benefits are not backed up by science, an ice bath is proven but saunas have less evidence to back them up. However, for many the sauna is a palace to relax and feel connected to themself. In my experience at the bath house the sauna did not make me feel as clean in the way it was advertised. Coming out of the sauna I’d feel sticky and gross and nothing like I do coming out of the shower. For me the most relaxing park of the bath house was the cool pools right after we exited the sauna. 

In my experience and the NYT article saunas are more of a mental medicine than something that will benefit you physically. Sometimes happiness is the best medicine so if a sauna is that place for you then there's no reason one should not use saunas. 

2: Happiness for Tourists

 

The concept of being able to go somewhere, relax, and find some peace sounds like a package deal to relieve some stress. I can see the benefit of floating in water, as I saw many people at the sauna in Norderney radiate peace; however, it is not for everyone, and it has to be approached in a specific way.

I came with the illusion that I would come out of the sauna like a completely different person. I loved learning about the culture beyond the expensive spas in the US and experiencing what “loyl” is. I felt the anticipation of being relaxed and with smooth skin from the benefits of sea water. It wasn't until I was floating in a dark, hot sea water bath when I closed my eyes and thought,  “Relax, relax… how much time until my MCAT?” I could not relax; I kept having a wandering mind. I would describe it as someone wandering through the desert, thirsty,  while having a well of water in front of them, and just staring at it.  I changed different methods by having a cold plunge and then a hot bath to feel something. I left feeling a little refreshed, but still with a mind full of thoughts. I woke up the next day with my eczema flared up and a confused mind. 

I felt disappointed that my mind and body did not completely let this beautiful culture and therapy allow itself to be embraced. I wanted to feel and learn, experience and tell, yet I realized, through self-reflection, that it is not completely the sauna and sea water that gives that therapy, but entering with the mindset of completely wanting to let go. I was waiting for a miracle, when I was the one who had to make the change, and then let the sauna/water baths absorb all the stress. Like we learned in class, this can be a spiritual change, and I did not mentally prepare. Perhaps with practice and repetition, I could master the enjoyment of this therapy. As for my skin, maybe it was the sea water, or even stress, that made it flare up, but I was hoping for some relief.

When reading the article, “Finland Says It Can Teach Tourists to Be Happy. Challenge

Accepted.” I found it extremely realistic. After the author spent time doing what the Finnish do to relax, she found herself in loneliness. She realized she focused too much on following a recipe to be relaxed, rather than allowing herself and mentally prepare to be relaxed in her own way. In class, we learned how this beautiful culture finds its peace, yet one has to get reminded, this is not just a fun activity, but rather a spiritual one. 

Overall, while sauna and spa therapies can offer deep relaxation and even spiritual renewal, their effectiveness depends less on the water or temperature and more on the mindset brought into the experience. Both my own time in the sauna and the insights from the NYT article revealed that peace cannot be forced or prescribed; it has to be welcomed. True benefit comes not just from the external treatment, but from an internal willingness to pause, release control, and let stillness do its work. With time, practice, and intention, I now understand that these therapies can be transformative, not because they change us, but because they give us space to change ourselves.

2: Happiness for Tourists? (Rebekah Bledsoe)

 Saunas and Happiness 

    If you would have asked me a week ago if I thought saunas were fun, enjoyable, or overall beneficial to my health, I would have told you that you were crazy. As a Texas native, I pretty much spend as much time in the air conditioning as possible. I get enough heat just walking to my car in the morning, and now you're telling me to  purposely go sit in a boiling hot room for fun and relaxation? Yeah, no thank you. However, my view on saunas have radically changed since having my first real experience with one this past week. 

    As I was sitting in the sauna, I could feel myself start to sweat, my heart rate increased steadily, and my skin felt like it was on fire. At first, these feelings were uncomfortable and a little scary. However, the longer I sat there and accepted the heat, the better it started to feel. As I started to relax physically, I let my mind calm down from the hecticness of the past couple of weeks. This was the most beneficial aspect of the sauna for me. The ability to have a space where I could completely relax was exactly what I needed after days of traveling and making a new country my temporary home. Leading up to my first sauna, we learned about the history and medicinal aspect of saunas. While there have not been many physical benefits to saunas proven, there is no doubt that there is a mental health healing component to saunas. As long as people are feeling the relaxation aspects of the saunas, I do not see a problem with the saunas themselves. If saunas are what works to help someone get back to being themselves, then sauna can be their sort of "medicine". 

    The author of the article, Britta Lokting, set out to find happiness in the happiest country in the world. She was determined to figure out the secret to their happiness and apply that directly to her life. During her experience, she tried all the things that claimed to be the reason for the happiness of the Finns. While she enjoyed them in the moment, she found herself right back where she started when she returned to America. After much time and reflection in the States, she finally realized the secret to the Finns' happiness: enjoy the little things. And the "little things" look different for everyone. For some, it is the birds flying through the sky or a walk through a park, it can be anything. For me personally, it is sunsets that bring me the most peace and happiness. Every time I am driving home from a busy day and I see a beautiful Texas sunset, it brings an overwhelming sense of peace to me. 

    The main conclusion from the author is that everyone's happy is different. Happiness is not a one-size-fits-all. This is a beautiful thing because each person gets to define what their happy is. For many people on the island of Norderney, saunas are their happy place. The sauna is where they are able to find peace and let their minds and bodies rest. I can attest that a sauna is a wonderful place for this. Whether there are physical benefits or not, the peace that the saunas bring is a medicine in and of itself. I believe it is important for everyone to find their happy place where they are able to fully relax and get away from the busy every day life so ingrained in our society. 

Thanks & Gig'em, 

Rebekah Bledsoe

2: Happiness for Tourists? (Ali)

The potential benefits of sauna and spa treatments go far beyond relaxation or temporary escape. As both personal experience and growing scientific research confirm, saunas offer a multifaceted approach to well-being, mentally and emotionally. While their benefits are not universal or automatic; cultural context, mindset, and intention play a significant role. What’s clear, though, is that when approached thoughtfully, sauna and spa rituals can be powerful tools for mental health and happiness.

The New York Times article “Finland Says It Can Teach Tourists to Be Happy” highlights the cultural depth and quiet wisdom behind Finnish wellness practices — from sauna sessions to forest bathing to simple presence. At first glance, these traditions may seem unscientific to outsiders, especially to those raised in high-stress, results-driven societies. But my own time in the sauna, paired with our course readings, challenges that skepticism. The combination of heat exposure, silence, and slowness forced a kind of reset. There’s something profoundly healing about that simplicity. 

Physically, the benefits are not all that backed up by science, but there is evidence that it is no harm to our bodies if we are hydrated. But the real surprise, for me, was the mental shift. As the NYT article suggests, happiness might not be something we chase but something we make space for — and sauna culture, with its emphasis on slowness, ritual, and quiet endurance, carves out that space. Unlike the fast-paced, commercialized versions of self-care common in America, the Finnish model offers depth. It invites us to just be still which is something that our society today needs. 

Ultimately, the convergence of personal experience, course materials, and the NYT article all point to the same truth: saunas work not just because of the heat, but because of the context. When practiced with intention, rooted in tradition and presence, these treatments offer more than comfort — they offer a path toward clarity and yes, maybe even happiness.

2: Happiness for Tourists?

(Check Blog 0 for a reminder on the font size, naming conventions, etc.)

At this point, you’ve had an introduction to sauna culture, the history of sauna medicine, the claims that have been made regarding the physical health benefits of sauna medicine, the claims regarding the benefits of the sauna for mental and even spiritual health, and some of the research — you’ve even had a chance to try the sauna and some of the other spa services for yourself. Now read the article from the New York Times (31 March 2025).

From your experience, your personal perceptions, and the information you’ve collected, what do you see are the potential benefits and issues with sauna and spa treatments in general? What do you think about the NYT article? How do the article, class, and your experiences connect? In a few paragraphs, explain why you see things this way.

This does not need to be a formal essay; it’s still more of an exploratory journal. However, you should be sure to take a solid, clear position overall or in each paragraph, even while exploring both sides. Work to “prove” to our readers that your position/YOU are RIGHT.

(You might end up writing out all your thoughts and going back to add, modify, or even completely change your thesis/topic sentence. That’s absolutely legit: We can convince ourselves of new things as we work our way through processing the data we have collected.)

 

Some writing reminders:

-Have a clear thesis statement or at least topic sentences that state your position

-Avoid using personal qualifiers such as “I think,” “in my opinion,” etc. – they weaken the strength of your position, pointing out to your readers that other positions can exist and thus giving them permission to disagree! (Plus, we know this is your opinion; after all, you are the one writing it.)

-Be strong but flexible. Convince us!

 

Due: Wednesday, July 16

Comments on others’ posts due: Friday, July 18

2: Happiness for Tourist? (Abby Burgett)

 Howdy!

Although the sauna culture and experience is a lovely one, there seem to be few scientific benefits, or risks, associated with the use of the sauna. One of the most notable pieces of data found from scientists was an increase in endorphins after taking a sauna. There are also some acute physical changes that take place during the sauna experience including increased precipitation of the skin, increased heart rate, increase blood flow to the skin and decreased blood flow to the organs. These physical difference take place with the goal of cooling down your body while it is present in extremely hot temperatures. Although the temperature of a sauna is very hot, staying in the sauna for limited amounts of time, not much more than 15 minutes, has been proven to provide no danger to the healthy human body. It is important however to stay hydrated in between sauna baths because losing water through sweat is how the body regulates its temperature. 

The New York Times article seems to come from someone so desperate to attain happiness—going so far as to travel across the world to reach it. The author mentions multiple times feeling happy in one moment and then later having feelings of sadness or loneliness. Striving for happiness all of the time, is unattainable and can lead people to feeling hopeless or unsuccessful. It is important to recognize that happiness is an emotion and emotions will come and go not matter what. Instead someone could aim to find joy in their everyday life, even in during the times when we are alone, or facing stressful situations or other hardships.  

Towards the end of the article, the author writes about discovering the point the Finnish were trying to make: a quiet mind and finding pleasure in small acts. This is what the sauna experience gives you. Although the sauna has very few to no physical benefits tested by science, there are many emotional and spiritual benefits that can come from the sauna experience. Most saunas are set at extremely hot temperatures between 70-90 degrees Celsius. Enduring this heat for short periods of time can lead to feelings of accomplishment, which may be associated with the rise in endorphins found after sauna bathing. Additionally, taking the time to sit and be still is an experience not very common in the average productive American lifestyle. Being still and with your thoughts is a practice that can calm and bring peace to the busy mind and body. This mindful practice is one found to be relaxing, grounding, and even joyous. The act of being still and enduring a slightly uncomfortable state may be the reason many people associate sauna culture with its benefits and pursuit of happiness.  

2: Happiness for Tourist? : Caroline Readinger

    When looking at the statistics of sauna, one will find that all cause mortality goes down in people that use the sauna multiple times a week, with cardiovascular disease leading to death lowering significantly. You will also find that many of our body systems do not seem to be significantly affected by our time in the sauna. We generate endorphins and increase heart rate along with cardiac output, but that is about the extent of major physiological changes. So how does time in the sauna affect us as humans?

    Last week at the Badehaus in Norderney, we had the opportunity to experience sauna first hand, and let me just say, it was glorious. You go into the sauna, hit right away by a burst of fire-air all around you. You sit there for a while, taking in the stillness, feeling yourself start to sweat, bathed in the smells of the room itself, and breathing clearer than you perhaps have in years. It is a euphoric experience where you are so grounded and present, which I believe is the point of it all.

    In our everyday lives, we are stimulated all the time. This could be having your phone beside you always, recieving a rush of dopamine the second you feel a buzz or hear a ping. This could be rushing from one activity to the next, never taking a pause for yourself to think about how you are doing or reflecting on your days. This could be many a thing, but in the sauna, none of those distractions are there. You are disconnected in that moment, ideally relieving stress from whatever is going on in the outside world and simply giving yourself time to think. 

    Sauna can be talked of as a spiritual experience, and it is. If you believe in any sort of God, sauna, and the environment it creates, is an amazing place to talk to that being. It gives you a place to be grateful, reflect on the good in your life, the struggles you have overcome and the places to focus your energy going forward. This is the same in the article we read also. The author talks to the trees, as the Fins do, grounding herself and giving herself a sounding board with nature. She claims that the reason the Fins are so happy is because they appreciate the little moments, and do things that force them to take time for those moments even in a chaotic world. This can take many forms, but making sauna, or whatever you believe grounds you, a priority in your life, does wonders for the mind and body, in ways scientists cannot fully comprehend. 

1: Week 1 Reflection (Olivia)

Howdy,

    I'm now one week in to this study abroad and I'm finding it hard to believe that it's only been that long. Just as I expected, this trip really only felt real after the first major jump of getting on the plane in Houston and stepping into my host family's house. Almost immediately, all my nerves vanished and made space for all the excitement I had for this journey. This week has been amazing for me, and I've already done so much in just over seven days. 

    After meeting my host family and getting a tour of their house and my space in it, I felt truly lucky to be placed with such a wonderful family. I've enjoyed eating food from their garden and having fun exchanges with their two daughters (some things don't need to be translated to have a fun time). I'm excited to spend more time with them now that we're back in Bonn and really grow that connection.

    Thinking of something that has been challenging is a challenge within itself, but I would probably say keeping in touch with my friends and family at home. Through the business of this week I definitely got caught up in it all and hadn't messaged my parents or my sisters, but being a bit more settled in now I'm remembering to do that. They're just as excited for me and I want to share my experiences with them as much as I can!

    I've really enjoyed all the sights I've been seeing. From walking around the churches in Trier to taking in the beautiful sunsets in Norderney, I've gotten to see so many interesting and visually stunning things around Germany so far. I love nature, so the whole Norderney trip was really a treat for me. I got to learn so much on our mud flat hike and enjoyed partaking in Tai Chi with Dr. Wasser on the beach. Connecting with nature and taking a swim in the North Sea was one of the coolest opportunities I think I've gotten to experience yet.

    Navigating a whole other language can be tricky, but I think it can make you both more patient and more susceptible to putting yourself out there. Instead of worrying about how I sound or how well I'm speaking German, I take pride in the fact that I'm at least willing to try, since it is such a great way of connecting with the people around me. I've seen this growth of not caring what others think about me or perceive me to be here, since it seems it's that way for most. Being in those settings where I meet someone new or try to order something in German has helped me tear down walls I had built up and open myself to different experiences. I'm excited to see where else this change brings me. 

Until next time,

    Olivia Cotton 

1: Week 1 Reflection: Payten Jackson

 Week 1 Reflection

Howdy!

    The plane ride to Frankfurt was pretty rough. I had a middle seat, and the plane had some turbulence. They gave us a lot of food,  however, almost too much. For my first flight alone, it was not bad, and I was able to find the meeting point in the airport very easily. I had gotten there about 30 minutes before the decided meeting time, but some people had been there since 6 A.M.! We were ready to leave, but had to wait for the last person who had gotten lost for almost two hours. I was exhausted and just ready to unload and get out of the airport. One of the main things I noticed about the mostly gray airport was the smell of cigarettes almost everywhere. Smoking is a lot more common here than in the United States, which is something I had to get accustomed to since I hate the smell of cigarette smoke. After the last person was rounded up, we got on the charter bus to the AiB.

     On the ride to the AiB, we passed beautiful vineyards and the Rhine River. There were many cute little towns and large houses up in the hills. I fell asleep on the way until I got to Bonn. When we arrived in Bonn, I noticed that it was a bustling city with a lot of people out shopping, eating, traveling, or working. The first major shock was probably the lack of English (which was expected, but it was still a shock). I only spent a little bit of time at the AiB until my host family came to pick me up. By that time, I was exhausted from having to drag my luggage everywhere. That night we had tortellini with tomato sauce, and I met the other student staying with me, Olena. She is from Ukraine and has been to many other European countries and is currently studying in the United States. That night, I unpacked and showered. I was nervous for the next day because I still did not know the people in the group very well.

    The next day, we met Mara at Five Guys for our orientation day. Olena had shown me where the bus stop was and what time I should take it the night before. In the morning, I followed Victoria and Ally to the Five Guys. We then all walked together to the AiB, and it was so awe-inspiring walking through the city in the morning. When we walked in, Rike had a flag and a sparkler since it was the 4th of July. It was cute and nice of her. We then all walked together to the AiB, where we had our orientation in the classroom. The orientation was quick, and we were let out at lunchtime. I decided to go home because I was tired, but ended up taking the wrong bus (I got back on the same bus that dropped me off). Apparently, the buses have different directions even though they are the same number. So it took me almost an extra two hours to get back home. This made me sad because I was already so tired and did not understand a lot of the things around me. I was able to find the right bus, and by that time, it was almost time for dinner. 

    The next day, we went to Marksburg Castle, which was beautiful. The stone carvings and the idea of old wealth were fascinating. I was starting to get comfortable. I think this was the day Thomas asked me for my name, which he probably regrets now (joking). 

    So far, my experience has been amazing. This country is beautiful and has so many weird quirks. Being with a new group of people that I do not know much about has been the most challenging. We are all so different, which is a great thing, and that will draw us closer together. In the next journal, I will talk more about the trip to Nordeney and meeting Dr. Wasser (the Tai Chi master). 

Caio!

Payten Jackson

1: Week 1 Reflection (Thomas Carroll

    The first day we were in Germany, after the long day of travel and airport shenanigans, I was greeted by the sweetest little German lady ever. Immediately, certain things shocked me that I did not expect to come from my host family experience. Most notably, my host family turned out to be a host person, and that host person spoke very little English. As we drove from the AiB complex to our home in Ippensdorf, my first trial of study abroad became very apparent. As some of you have come to know, I ask a lot of questions, so when my excited questions were met with the wall of language leading to misunderstanding and frustration, I felt as though I was trapped in my own body. 

    Fear set in when I realized that I would be arriving at her house soon with no way of asking courteous questions or establishing the rules of her home. When we finally arrived, we walked into the house and communicated with a series of points and hand signals followed by the occasional use of a translator. She served me dinner in a dark room, but then left me to be by myself with only her sun lit paintings and my thoughts as company. I was genuinely regretting everything and was becoming increasingly worried for my ability to have a relationship with my host mom. 

    Luckily, my first impression with Eva could not have predicted a more opposite future. After sleeping through the night and living out successive days in bonn, Ms. Eva and I began to have a much better relationship. We learned better ways to communicate and ultimately learned to laugh at our barriers rather than be hindered by them. One dinner in particular, I had come prepared with translated questions about Germany, German history, her upbringing, and german customs, and without having communicated this prior, she too came prepared with questions about America, American view of Germans, American customs, my hometown and upbringing, and my experience thus far. We sat for hours and just discussed life with each other and ultimately established the most unlikely of friendships. 

    My relationship with my host mom is far from what I could have expected. Where I had thought I would dread coming home, I now miss her when we are away on excursions. She has been texting me both motherly sentiments, desiring me to be safe and drink water, while also sending me addresses to her favorite bars in every german city. So, I would say that while my relationship with my host mom has been challenging and was difficult to cultivate, it has also been one of the most worthwhile things about my experience thus far. I am excited to go home after our weekend in amsterdam to tell her about my journeys, and to here how she is. 

    Apart from my host family experience, one of my favorite things about the trip has been the people I’m doing it with. I feel like I sit in a very specific corner of campus at Texas A&M and without this study abroad program, I most likely would have never met any of my peers. Apart from separate involvements, I am also just older than a lot of the people here which has been funny at times, but hasn’t effected relationships in the slightest. I enjoy that while groups have semi-formed within the cohort, I feel welcomed in all of them. The people truly have enhanced this experience and made this study abroad a highlight of college for me thus far. 

    In terms of my favorite activity that we have all done together, while it is hard to pick just one, I would have to say that the East Friesian tea ceremony was my favorite. Now that might sound weird, because we’ve done a lot together and that seemed more like a learning experience rather than a bonding experience like volleyball on the beach, but through the East Friesian tea ceremony, I learned so much about my classmates that I would not have otherwise. I believe that this experience was made interesting by the interest and attention given by everyone. That old woman was able to share her heritage and history with us, and even through a language barrier, we were able to see her wit, passion, and expert tea knowledge. Additionally, as we went through the museum, I loved hearing the insight of my classmates towards the creepy dolls, porcelain prostitute dogs, and old maps. While learning to appreciate this east friesian practice, I also got to appreciate the minds of my peers and the complexity of their interests. For that reason, it stands out in my week. 

    The word “change” is very complicated. I believe that change can be desired, but often not. I believe that we should all pursue change when referring to our perspective and cultural knowledge. For this is the point of our trip, to resist it would mean closing your eyes. But I do not think we should necessarily desire change to our character, ethics, values, or personality. For myself, these things are established and rooted in something much deeper and much more unchanging than a soul-searching journey abroad could ever provide. Brick by brick, I have sought to establish my character to be one that is universally and objectively good. For this reason, I believe I have grown, but I will continue to resist personal change.

    I have grown to be more empathetic of other cultures. Being the Out-Group for the first time, I have seen the difficulty of navigating a country, culture, and system that is not your own. I believe that my time in Germany will allow me to advocate for foreigners to the united states and be a more welcoming host in the future. All in all, Germany has been sick and I’m looking forward to the rest of our time together

Best,

Thomas Carroll

Week 1 Reflection (Aidan)

 I got sick like right off the bat on this trip which made the first few days in Germany a little rough… However after taking a night to myself and calling it a day a little earlier I felt a lot better. Sense then Germany has been the experience I’ve wanted it to be. Everything’s been fun and when it’s felt a little slow or boring there’s something to look forward to.

I love my host mom, Isobel is an older woman who lives alone but she’s so nice and will go out of her way to help me out if she feels I need it. It’s a little hard to find time to get to know her because I don’t eat meals with her, however our conversations in the evenings, although brief, are engaging and she’s very interested in what Americans enjoy doing and seeing in Bonn and the surrounding towns. 

So far the most challenging thing has been the bus and trains. Normally I’m great with directions but I’ve been turned around in Bonn and ended up going the wrong direction on my train more than once. Over time I’m sure this will get easier but as someone who’s never used public transportation figuring it out in German has been the biggest struggle. 

This norderney trip has easily been the highlight thus far. Coming into the trip this extrusion was a focal point and I felt like it really delivered. Beach volleyball that second night was so fun and the sunset behind us was something else. I would’ve been alright if we were stationed on the island and took extrusions to Bonn instead of the other way around. I love the beach and felt like there was so much more we could’ve done with another day. But seeing the plans we have in the future it’s going to be exciting to see how much we’re able to do in Spain and Switzerland, it should be fun. 

I think having spend a week with everyone on this trip I’ve grown in my character and confidence in meeting new people. Only having one semester at A&M under my belt I probably don’t know as many people at the school as everyone else, so it’s been fun to meet this group of aggs who I’ll have a year or two with when we go back to school in the fall. I’m excited for everything else we’ll do and experience and the stories that will come out of it. 

1: Week 1 Reflection (Abby Burgett)

1: Week 1 Reflection (Abby Burgett)

Although my journey to Germany did not exactly go as planned, my first week here has been an amazing experience. From the moment I arrived in Bonn my host mom has welcomed me into her home with open arms. Being welcomed into such a lovely home with my own room, home cooked meals, and friendly conversation has made Bonn feel like a home already. 

I am so thankful for my lovely host mom who has opened up her home for me to live in for a few weeks. She has two younger daughters who, despite not being there all the time, have been so much fun to hang out with. They have two super cute bunnies who are out roaming the house most of the time which is entertaining to watch. Her home is located near the Rhine allowing me to go on walks/runs around the lake which is a beautiful way for me to get some much needed "me time". I also got really lucky that she is an extremely good cook so I have thoroughly enjoyed all of my meals she has made for me. 

The sun setting at 10pm is really amazing, but it has been a struggle trying to go to sleep early. When the sun is still up I have a hard time wanting to go to sleep or even lay in bed. Sleeping with the window open for the fresh air also makes it impossible for me use the black out curtain they have. Luckily this isn't a problem for me most nights, but it just means I might not get an opportunity to catch up on my sleep while I am here. 

Although we have already taken multiple exciting trips and explored the city of Bonn, my favorite part of this trip so far has been getting to know the people I am traveling with. I feel as if we have easily gotten pretty close over this short time. This being one of my worries before the trip has made me so thankful for this group. Being surrounded by people who I did not know before this and who have all come from very different places is very exciting. The friendships I have formed during the beginning of this trip have made everything we have done entertaining. 

Through my time here I have learned how to deal with uncomfortable situations. Not everything works out the way it was planned and things come up, so it has been important to find ways to deal with these things. Being able to do this is a life skill that I am glad I have been able to continue to strengthen. 

Week 1 Reflection (Nikash Kakarla)

 Howdy! It’s officially been one week in Germany and it’s been a blast out here. I love everything about this place and have met so many new people and have gone to so a lot of places I was not expecting to go to lol. We took a day trip to trier and decided to go to Luxembourg for dinner half way through… and we pulled it of! The support from friends and my host family has been absolutely phenomenal, especially with my host family. Juergen and Lisa are the absolute sweetest and kindest people I’ve met and they have told me many stories which gave me a new glimpse into how much of the world is still out there left to explore and I also love their food so much. Although we may have gotten into some trouble with using their grill when we shouldn’t have, alls well ends well! 

As for the people I’ve ran into, I’ve gotten to meet Freu, Andrew, Jamie, Raul, Ipke, Mumford, and Micheal which are all characters in it of its own but the one thing I really really wished I could’ve done is actually speak to them in German. Thankfully they did speak English and we were able to communicate but it’s a little bit tedious to have to figure out the real meaning behind some phrases they have lol. For example, we were trying to figure out what Jamie was telling us when he was talking about a chicken saucer and it turned out to be he was trying to tell us if we eat raising canes which was very funny. Honestly, most of the Norderney trip has been an absolute blast and every single day was jam-packed with absolute fun! The badehause, playing footie, taking the hike across the island, spending nights out in the town, playing volleyball on the beach (btw the prettiest view ever to play volleyball), and so much more on the island its all been an absolutely amazing time! I also made a life long friend and I hope to see Jamie make it to the pro leagues for football and he is really the GOAT. 

I think that more than anything the people you are with is what makes memorable moments memorable! Im so happy to say that everyone on our trip is so friendly and kindhearted + without them I don’t think I would have pushed myself to try and make more meaningful actions and they honestly bring out the best in me. If there’s one thing thats changed about me it’s definitely how I approach others. Everyone has their own unique stories (especially on this trip there have been some absolute wicked stories) and I want to hear their stories out and learn more about them which I feel like gives me a greater perspective on the human condition. Germany is such a fyre place and there’s been so much fun but if week 1 was this much fun I can’t even image what the rest of the trip will be like and im super excited for that! Keep it classy and stay sassy innit I’ll see y’all in the next one Cheerios!