Let’s be honest: life can be stressful, and some days feel more overwhelming than others. If you're looking to create a space in your home where you can unwind and recharge, consider designing your own healing oasis. Whether it's a cold plunge, sauna, or recovery room, here are some creative ideas to help you build serenity at home.
How to Set Up a Cold Plunge
Boost recovery and reduce inflammation from stressful days at work or school by setting up a cold plunge at home.
● First, find the right tub. Look for a durable tub that can hold cold water. You don’t need a giant pool, but a small deep tub or a custom- built plunge pool will work. You can also use a stock tank if you’re able to find one. The key is to place it in a space where you can easily transition to the sauna afterwards.
● Maintaining a cool temperature is key so use ice or a chiller to keep the water between 50-59 degrees.
● Durable tiles are popular for cold plunge areas as they are easy to clean and resistant to temperature changes.
● Finally, place your cold plunge in a shaded area to help keep the water cool.
Sauna
A sauna can help with relaxation and detoxify your body and aching muscles. To create the perfect sauna, first decide what type you want. Traditional saunas often use cedar wood. This wood is known for its pleasant aroma and ability to withstand high heat. Next, consider the size and layout. For a home sauna, consider a small room or even a corner of a room. You can choose between a traditional sauna or an infrared sauna. Traditional saunas use heat and steam, while infrared saunas use infrared light to heat your body directly. Choose a design that fits the space available—most home saunas can fit 2-4 people comfortably. Finally, proper ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating. Make sure the sauna has vents to allow enough fresh air to circulate to prevent moisture buildup.
Recovery Room
Your recovery room should be a peaceful space for healing and relaxation. Here’s how to make one:
● You’ll need comfortable chairs, loungers, or even floor pillows to rest after using the cold plunge or sauna.
● Have plenty of towels and robes on hand. A closet or drawers can help keep these things organized.
● Ambiance is crucial! The room should feel calming and relaxing. Think soft lighting and lamps, or even color changing LED lights. Gentle music, nature sounds, or even sounds of water drops can enhance the atmosphere. Install a sound system in the room or use a Bluetooth speaker that connects to your phone. Add a diffuser with seasonal scents or essential oils to complete the mood.
Create a Flow
Your cold plunge, sauna, and recovery room should flow together. You want the transition between each area to be smooth, whether it’s a quick walk from one room to another or a small door leading into a serene and calming space. For safety purposes, only use slip-resistant tiles around the sauna and cold plunge areas. For the recovery room, soft rugs or natural wood floors are ideal. When it comes to your color pattern, stick with neutral colors like whites and greys or soothing blues and greens. These colors can help to create a peaceful atmosphere.
Make it Private!
If your cold plunge and sauna are outdoors, think about installing a fence or tall plants for privacy around the area to avoid nosy neighbors intruding in your time of relaxation. If indoors, make sure the room has solid walls and the right door or curtain for seclusion.You want to create a space where you can truly unwind without distractions.
Budget and Safety
Make sure all electrical installations are done by professionals to avoid any fire hazards. Add artwork or other personal touches to truly make the space a relaxing place of your own. Remember, you don’t have to do all of this at once. Create a budget and stick to it ––build one room at a time if that’s what you can afford. Even a simple setup can offer great mental health benefits. Take your time and enjoy the process of building your very own wellness oasis at home.
Written by Tammy Pitts.