Stuck in a work-from-home rut? Long office hours leaving you with backaches and neck pain? Many Australians are grappling with the physical toll and mental fatigue of sedentary lifestyles which is harmful to the body and mind.
But what if there was a way to offset these challenges and boost your well-being all from the comfort of your own home?
Infrared saunas are one of the solutions that have grown in popularity in recent years. More than just relaxation pods, infrared saunas offer holistic health benefits that counteract the physical and mental strains of a sedentary routine.
Explore how infrared saunas combat the negative effects of your desk-bound existence with our expert team at Sun Stream Infrared Saunas AUS in this article.
The Health Risks of Sedentary Living
More than sitting for long hours, a sedentary lifestyle also includes a combination of limited movement, poor posture, and often high stress levels. Below are some of the most commonly associated health risks with this lifestyle.
1. Musculoskeletal issues
Prolonged sitting causes strain on the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Over time, this leads to postural imbalances such as kyphosis (rounded shoulders) or even chronic back pain. Tight hip flexors and weakened glutes are also common among desk workers, reducing mobility and stability.
2. Poor circulation
Sitting for extended periods restricts blood flow to the lower body. This can often lead to swollen legs, cold extremities, and an increased risk of varicose veins. When not addressed early, chronic poor circulation can result in severe conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
3. Weight gain and metabolic syndrome
Reduced physical activity and long hours of inactivity can contribute to weight gain and fat accumulation, particularly around the abdomen. This increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions including high blood sugar, hypertension, and elevated cholesterol levels.
4. Fatigue and lack of energy
The slow metabolism resulting from sitting too much reduces the efficiency of energy production, leaving many feeling tired and sluggish, even after sufficient sleep.
5. Mental health decline
The combination of isolation, repetitive routines, and work pressure often leads to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and even depression. When not addressed properly, this can negatively affect productivity and overall satisfaction in the workplace.
How Infrared Saunas Address Sedentary Lifestyle Challenges
1. Relieving musculoskeletal pain and improving flexibility
The deep penetrating heat of infrared saunas can reach muscles and tissues 5 mm below the skin. This stimulates increased blood flow to muscles and connective tissues, accelerating the repair of micro-tears or inflammation caused by poor posture.
Research has found that the treatment can be particularly helpful for those who suffer from sciatica or chronic back pain, which are common among desk workers.
The warmth also relaxes muscles, reduces spasms, and alleviates stiffness which can help loosen tight hip flexors and hamstrings.
2. Enhancing circulation and cardiovascular health
Infrared saunas mitigate the effects of impaired blood flow from sitting long hours by promoting vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels. The resulting increased blood flow enhances the delivery of essential oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and tissues.
Infrared sauna therapy has also been shown to simulate cardiovascular exercise. As your body responds to the gentle rise in core temperature, your heart rate increases similarly to light physical activity. This “passive cardio” effect, together with all the other benefits of the treatment, improves overall cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart-related conditions.
3. Supporting weight management
The heat generated during a session raises your core body temperature, prompting your body to work harder to cool itself. This results in increased calorie expenditure. However, the number of calories you burn can depend on a variety of factors including your body mass, fat mass, and muscle mass.
It’s also important to take note that this calorie expenditure may not be significant enough to make a huge weight loss difference. However, it’s effective in giving your body a gentle push to start the weight loss process. It also works well when you encounter weight loss plateaus.
4. Alleviating stress and enhancing mental health
Infrared sauna sessions activate the parasympathetic nervous system or the “rest and digest” system, which calms the body and mind. This reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and triggers the release of endorphins, natural chemicals that improve mood and combat anxiety.
Additionally, the soothing warmth of an infrared sauna creates a meditative environment, ideal for mindfulness or simply unplugging from daily stressors.
5. Enhancing sleep quality and recovery
As your body cools off after an infrared sauna session, your body releases melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep cycles. This signals your brain that your body is ready for sleep.
Regular infrared sauna sessions also enhance muscle recovery, ensuring you wake up refreshed and pain-free.
Key Takeaway
For many Australians, a sedentary lifestyle is an unavoidable reality. But don’t despair! The good news is that you don’t have to accept the negative health consequences. By incorporating infrared sauna therapy into your routine, you can actively counteract the physical and mental strains of your desk-bound existence and reclaim your well-being.
At Sun Stream Infrared Sauna, we’re ready to help you take that first step toward better health. Our cutting-edge saunas are designed for home use, offering a convenient, effective way to invest in your well-being. Explore our product range now or contact us for further questions or inquiries.