It became our daily routine, spending evenings jumping in the Baltic Sea and running straight to the sauna. A silent and calming moment relaxing in the warmth enjoying the amazing view Finnish nature has to offer. The perfect treat to end an adventurous day.
During one of our many talks, my dear Finnish friend Johanna explained the background to saunas. She also told me a lot of stories about saunas. I was surprised to hear just what an important role wellness plays in the everyday lives of the Finnish people. Do you know why the Finnish (& other Northern European countries) invented the sauna many years ago (2,000 BC)? It was not as a luxury product, it was to keep themselves warm!
As far as a way of life goes, Finnish people like to keep it as simple as possible. To escape the stressess of the city life, they pack their bags and drive to their summer or country house for a well-deserved retreat with their families. It is quite normal to have a second home, sometimes a cabine, close to nature and water. To further assist in finding the right natural balance, almost all summer houses have a personal sauna. If it just not possible to have your own, there will be a public building close to the sea you can use to refresh yourself from the sweltering heat.
Cabins not build on the mainland often don’t have access to running water and electricity. If you don’t have excess to electricity, the type of sauna you will have will be one with a wooden fireplace. The fireplace takes a little longer to heat up than an electric one would, but Finns really don’t mind. It’s all part of their simple, understated, traditional and ultimate way of life. I found this mindset really inspiring.
In the winter, when everything is snowy, frozen and way below zero, local people travel to a place they call AVANTO. It means: Ice swimming. I am actually quite fascinated by what I have been told about this unique and incredible experience. Perhaps, I can tick it off my “to do list” during a future visit to Finland. I don’t know if the fact that it boosts your health has been proven, but I do believe you leave ice water refreshed in mind, body and spirit. I really think wellness helps you to cope with stress.
After your sauna, you can get comfortable in front of a cozy fireplace with a cup of tea. I suggest you try Finland’s best blend: Chocolate Fazer. The power of steam/water and a calm, wired mind will guarantee a good nights sleep. In the world of wellness, this is natural retreat from the inside out.