Relax deeper. Breathe easier. Sweat smarter.

At RnR Hot Tubs and Spas, we believe that your outdoor sauna is more than just a luxury. It’s a powerful tool for relaxation, recovery, and total-body wellness. Whether you’re a seasoned sauna user or just getting started, there are simple ways to elevate your experience and make the most of every session.

Regular sauna use has been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved circulation, enhanced muscle recovery, stress relief, and improved sleep quality. The intense, soothing heat helps relax tense muscles, flush out toxins, and stimulate the release of endorphins, creating a natural boost in mood and energy. 

Mentally, saunas offer a rare pause from the noise of daily life. A space where you can unplug, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself. In today’s fast-paced world, that kind of reset isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential.

7 WAYS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SAUNA EXPERIENCE

To get the most out of your outdoor sauna, it’s essential to move beyond simply sitting in the heat. With a few intentional adjustments to your routine, your sauna can become a powerful part of your overall wellness lifestyle. 

From how you prepare beforehand to what you do afterward, each step can enhance the benefits, making every session more effective, enjoyable, and restorative. Whether you’re seeking deeper relaxation, faster recovery, or a mindful escape, small changes can make a big difference in your experience. Here are seven ways to maximize YOUR sauna experience. 

Create a Sauna Ritual

A sauna session becomes even more restorative when it’s part of a meaningful ritual. Instead of treating it as just another wellness task, approach it as a sacred pause in your day. A chance to unplug and reconnect with yourself fully. 

Start by creating a calming atmosphere around your sauna space. You might dim the lights, light a candle, or add natural elements like stones or greenery to ground the environment. Before stepping in, sip a warm herbal tea, take a few deep breaths, or set an intention for your time inside. 

Whether you choose to play gentle music, engage in breathwork, or simply sit in silence, these mindful touches help signal to your body and mind that it’s time to slow down. Over time, this ritual becomes a trusted rhythm. One that nurtures your nervous system, supports emotional release, and deepens the restorative power of every sauna session.

Prep Your Body

Preparing your body beforehand can significantly enhance the effectiveness and comfort of your sauna session. A few simple steps can help you feel more relaxed, support detoxification, and ensure you get the most out of your time inside.

Before entering the sauna:

• Hydrate well. Drink water or an electrolyte-rich beverage.
  
• Rinse off. A quick warm shower helps open pores and prepares your skin to detox.
  
• Dress light or go nude if your space allows. Breathable, natural fibers like cotton are ideal for those who choose to wear anything.

Optimize the Timing

The sweet spot for most sauna sessions is around 15–20 minutes at a time. You can repeat this cycle 2–3 times with cooling breaks in between to enhance circulation and recovery. But beyond just watching the clock, it’s about tuning into what your body needs. 

Some days, you may crave a more extended session, while others call for something shorter and gentler. Establishing a regular time of day for your sauna, whether it’s a quiet morning ritual to set the tone or a wind-down routine before bed, can help you build consistency and turn your sessions into a grounding habit. When you return to the heat at the same time each day, your body begins to recognize it as a signal to slow down, reset, and restore.

Enhance with Aromatherapy

Adding aromatherapy to your sauna routine can elevate the experience from simply relaxing to one that is deeply therapeutic. Scents have a powerful effect on the nervous system. Certain essential oils can calm the mind, ease tension, and even support respiratory health. 

Eucalyptus is invigorating and great for clearing the airways, while lavender promotes deep relaxation and stress relief. Earthy oils, such as cedarwood or pine, can help you feel more grounded and connected to nature. 

If your sauna allows, add a few drops of essential oil to a water bucket and gently ladle it over the hot rocks for an immersive steam infusion. Alternatively, placing a heat-safe diffuser nearby can offer a more subtle and consistent aroma. Incorporating essential oils into your sauna sessions engages all the senses, creating a rich, spa-like atmosphere that supports both mental and physical well-being.

Try Contrast Therapy

If you’re looking to elevate your wellness routine, contrast therapy is a game-changer. Alternating between the intense heat of the sauna and the shock of cold exposure stimulates circulation, supports lymphatic drainage, reduces inflammation, and speeds up muscle recovery.

This hot-cold cycle encourages your blood vessels to constrict and expand, which helps flush out toxins and deliver fresh oxygen throughout the body. After a sauna session, step outside for a cold shower, a brisk snow roll (a Canadian classic!), or a dip in a cold plunge tub and then return to the warmth. 

This back-and-forth not only invigorates the body but also strengthens mental resilience and sharpens focus. While the cold can be a shock at first, over time it becomes a powerful part of the ritual, leaving you feeling refreshed, recharged, and energized.

Post-Sauna Care

What you do after your sauna session is just as important as the time spent inside. Supporting your body in the recovery phase helps lock in the benefits and leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated for hours to come.

After your session:

• Rehydrate. You’ve sweated out a lot—replace it with water, coconut water, or a rehydrating drink.
  
• Rinse off again to wash away toxins.
  
• Moisturize your skin and rest. This is the perfect time for deep relaxation or even meditation.

Use It Year-Round

Your outdoor sauna isn’t just for winter! It’s perfect for cool summer mornings or winding down after a long, active day. In fact, the contrast between the heat of the sauna and the outdoor air can be incredibly rejuvenating, no matter the season.

Your Backyard Oasis, Elevated

An outdoor sauna isn’t just a feature in your backyard. It’s a gateway to better health, deeper relaxation, and a more intentional way of living. When used mindfully, it can become a powerful daily ritual that supports both your body and mind. Whether you’re looking to recover from a workout, manage stress, or simply carve out quiet moments for yourself, your sauna can meet you where you are and help restore balance.

At RnR Hot Tubs and Spas, we’re here to help you get the most from your wellness investments. From expert advice to top-of-the-line products, we’re passionate about helping you create a space that works for your lifestyle and goals.

Ready to add a sauna to your backyard?

We now carry Calgary-made barrel saunas. Giving you the ultimate way to unwind, right in your backyard. These beautifully crafted saunas aren’t just about heat. They’re about creating a space where stress fades, muscles loosen, and your mind can truly rest.

Designed for maximum efficiency, the curved shape of a barrel sauna naturally circulates heat, providing an even, soothing warmth that helps you sweat out the day’s tension and reset both mind and body. 

Visit our showroom to try out a sauna or contact us to find the sauna that fits your lifestyle and start turning everyday stress into steam. Build your sauna by checking out our online store.