Go to a sauna or bathhouse

A sauna is one of the best ways to get warm all the way through on a cold night. You sit in a hot room, cool off, and do it again a couple of times. It’s calm, simple and a little odd the first time, so here’s what to expect.

Choose the place

You’ll find saunas in gyms, spas, swimming pools and bathhouses. Look up what’s near you, and check:

• The type. Some are private rooms you book for a group, and others are shared with strangers.
• The rules. Swimsuit, towel or something else, and whether there are separate times for different groups.
• The cost. It’s usually a small treat, with entry fees that vary, and some gyms include a sauna in membership.
• The hours. Check before you go, because sessions and slots change.

What to bring

• A swimsuit, if the place expects one, and flip-flops for the floor
• Two towels: one to sit on and one to dry off
• A water bottle, filled before you go in
• A hair tie or a hat, if you have long hair
• A change of clothes and a bag for the wet things
• Nowhere to be afterwards. You’ll want to take your time

Leave jewellery, your phone and anything metal in the locker, because they get very hot.

How to do it

1. Drink water first. Have a glass before you go in and keep a bottle nearby.
2. Shower. A quick shower before you enter is normal etiquette.
3. Take your towel in. Sit or lie on it so your skin doesn’t touch the bench.
4. Start on a lower bench. It’s cooler near the floor, and heat rises. You can move up later.
5. Stay a short time. Keep it short: commonly around 15 to 20 minutes at most, and less is fine for a first visit.
6. Leave if you feel dizzy, faint or unwell. Sit down somewhere cool and drink water.
7. Cool off. Take a cool shower or sit in a cool room for a few minutes, until your breathing is back to normal.
8. Repeat if you like. Two or three rounds are plenty, with a rest and some water in between.
9. Finish slowly. Drink water, dress warmly and sit for a few minutes before you leave.

Etiquette

• Keep your voice low. Many people come to be quiet.
• Don’t pour water on the heater unless the sign says you can or everyone agrees.
• Don’t bring a phone in. Heat damages it and it disturbs others.
• Don’t stare, and respect other people’s space.
• Wipe up and take your towel with you when you leave.

Who should skip it

Don’t use a sauna if you’re pregnant, unwell, or have had alcohol. If you have a heart condition, low blood pressure or any other health concern, check with a doctor first. If you take medication, ask a pharmacist whether heat is a problem.

What goes wrong

• You feel dizzy. Leave, sit somewhere cool and drink water. Don’t go back in that day.
• The heat is too much. Move to a lower bench or leave. It isn’t a contest.
• Your head hurts afterwards. You probably need more water and a longer rest.
• You’re not sure about the rules. Watch what others do, or ask the staff before you go in.
• You’re cold when you leave. Dress warmly straight away and finish with a hot drink.

After the sauna

Drink water, eat something if you’re hungry, and take it slowly. If you enjoyed it, find out how often you can go.

If it’s your first time

Go on a quiet weekday if you can, so you have the room to figure out how it works. Watch the first few minutes of what others do, and ask the staff if you’re not sure about anything. Don’t try to stay as long as the person next to you. Heat affects everyone differently, and you’ll get a feel for your own limit after a visit or two. Bring a friend if it helps you feel at ease.

Make it a winter evening

A sauna is built for the coldest nights, when the heat feels like a reward. Go on a weeknight with one friend, take your time between rounds and plan nothing else. If you want a quieter evening at home afterwards, try a spa night.