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.
I loved how you acknowledged that the author of the article seemed desperate for happiness, and the point you made about happiness being an emotion that ebbs and flows is crucial to recognize. I do think in her quest for happiness, while it was a long road, she perhaps found it not because of her sauna experience or one thing or another. Rather, she spent time reflecting and made it out the other side just with time.
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