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I imagine roughly the same bodily and social impact goes for using a sauna, which my Finnish friends tell me is something integral to their way of life. It’s no

I imagine roughly the same bodily and social impact goes for using a sauna, which my Finnish friends tell me is something integral to their way of life. It’s not uncommon to have a small sauna in your apartment, and it touches on many aspects of their lives, from business, to family, to romantic relationships, to just relaxing after work. I’ve started to go to the local sauna a few times a week after work with my girlfriend and I do notice it resets my mind, much like going for a long run. The rest of the evening seems much more dreamy and easy going. Unfortunately, I’m not sure the trend will catch on in the UK, where I’m from, as we’re generally pretty prude and uncomfortable with most of our clothes off!

meheleventyone 8y ago
One of the best parts of moving to Iceland for me was the copious hot water. The culture is more towards outdoor hot tubs (pots) than saunas though. Lots of great times sitting out in snowstorms. There’s an extensive set of municipal pools as well which are great for my kids. My own personal ritual is to spend Friday morning relaxing in solitude amongst the regular and assorted tourists. In the UK I loved baths but renting very rarely found places with them and I actually prefer being around other people.
- crooked-v 8y ago
  I find myself wondering if there's any correlation between (a) enjoying being in a hot tub surrounded by snow and (b) preferring to sleep covered by a heavy blanket but with your feet sticking out.
  - corey_moncure 8y ago
    I'll be a point in your anecdata. This describes me perfectly.
- renjimen 8y ago
  Those public baths are great! I remember some built into a beach near Reykjavik that were fed by a geothermal spring. Really relaxing to watch the weather come in from the comfort of the warm water then brave the ocean to cool down. You’re on to something with being around others. Makes us feel a little safer and provides entertainment? I’m sure there are lots of reasons.

meheleventyone 8y ago

One of the best parts of moving to Iceland for me was the copious hot water. The culture is more towards outdoor hot tubs (pots) than saunas though. Lots of great times sitting out in snowstorms. There’s an extensive set of municipal pools as well which are great for my kids. My own personal ritual is to spend Friday morning relaxing in solitude amongst the regular and assorted tourists. In the UK I loved baths but renting very rarely found places with them and I actually prefer being around other people.

crooked-v 8y ago
I find myself wondering if there's any correlation between (a) enjoying being in a hot tub surrounded by snow and (b) preferring to sleep covered by a heavy blanket but with your feet sticking out.
- corey_moncure 8y ago
  I'll be a point in your anecdata. This describes me perfectly.
renjimen 8y ago
Those public baths are great! I remember some built into a beach near Reykjavik that were fed by a geothermal spring. Really relaxing to watch the weather come in from the comfort of the warm water then brave the ocean to cool down. You’re on to something with being around others. Makes us feel a little safer and provides entertainment? I’m sure there are lots of reasons.