10 Things You Should Never Do in Sauna. Unless You Want to Get Really Embarrassed
A visit to a sauna is a great way to relax, especially in the winter, when days are short and cold. Unfortunately, many people don’t know the sauna etiquette.
Nov 15, 2021 | updated: 5:01 PM EST, November 15, 2021
Today we would like to remind you the most important rules everyone going to a sauna should know
#1 The location matters
Even if you are used to saunas located at swimming pools or hotels, you can be really surprised when you go to a proper traditional sauna place. While a swimming costume could be acceptable somewhere else, a quality sauna is a place for people in towels or stark naked only.
#2 No staring
Saunas are places where experience is appreciated. That is why don’t be surprised to realize nobody stares at you there. And you don’t gaze at others, either!
#3 Respect the private space of others
One of the fundamental rules is that touching someone else (even if by accident) is not welcome. So make sure you never violate the intimacy of other people in there. Saunas are there for us to relax - we have got enough frustration almost everywhere else.
#4 Don't drink alcohol
Alcohol in the extremely hot environment of sauna is a very bad idea. This mismatch can result in a hospital treatment. Forget drinking if you are planning to go to sauna.
#5 Leave jewelry in the locker
Of course you can keep your rings and necklaces if you badly need to experience how high temperature can make them literally burn your skin.
#6 All the body on the towel
This frequently reminded rule is there for us for a reason. It is all about hygiene and prevention bacteria spread. That is why make sure that you always rest on the towel, without even an inch of your body touching the wooden boards.
#7 Silence!
People go to sauna to relax in silence. So if you really need to talk to someone there, just whisper so that it won’t disturb others.
#8 Don't talk to strangers
In sauna facilities there are often dedicated spots where you can sit down and have a chat with someone you don’t really know. However, this is really inappropriate when you are in a sauna. Once again, the privacy of others is a priority there.
#9 Make sure you have closed the door
If you get the impression that others are giving you a frown, you'd better check whether you have closed the door behind you. Leaving it even an inch-ajar is not an option.
#10 Don't go to sauna when you are sick
Common sense might make you think it would make a lot of sense to go to sauna when you catch a cold to warm your body. But it's not really true. The feeling of warmth is just temporary and the extreme temperature differences will only weaken your body. Not to mention the risk of spreading the bacteria or viruses.
Which clue did you find the most surprising?