Sauna warms up students at St. Ben’s campus this November

During the week of Nov. 11, St. Ben’s has a sauna near Mary Commons for students to enjoy. Chief Operating Officer Kara Kolomitz came up with the idea to bring in a sauna on campus. Krystin Van Cleave, Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer, provided more insight into the sauna.

“She [Kolomitz] came up with the idea of bringing a sauna as the weather is just turning to colder temperatures and the semester picks up pace. It’s all about wellness and community,” Van Cleave said via email.

The sauna has been popular with students. Students can book up to 45-minute sessions with up to six friends. Van Cleave shared that interest has been high, with hopes that this will become a tradition that continues year after year. They hoped to bring a cold plunge as well, but due to timing it was not feasible. Van Cleave hopes it will be here next year.

There are many benefits to using a sauna. First and foremost, it can be used as social bonding time.

“Saunas can be a relaxed environment for friends to unwind and connect without social distractions,” Van Cleave said.

Along with that, high heat exposure that comes from a sauna can increase the blood flow to the brain, which can help enhance mental clarity and focus. This can also promote the release of endorphins, which are chemicals that improve mood and reduce stress. Another benefit of a sauna is improved sleep. Van Cleave explains that the relaxation effect of heat exposure in a sauna can stimulate melatonin production, a hormone essential for sleep regulation. After sauna use, the cooling down period mimics the body’s natural drop in temperature before sleep, which can help students fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.

“Saunas help lower cortisol levels while increasing levels of serotonin, which promotes feelings of well-being and relaxation. This biochemical response makes saunas ideal for stress relief,” Van Cleave said.

All in all, it also provides time for relaxation and a break from routine. Spending time in a sauna may feel like a mini spa ritual and offer a quiet place to recharge on campus.

CSB senior Lexi Torres used the sauna this week.

“This is one of the best things CSB+SJU has ever done. I had a cold for two weeks, and it’s all cured up now,” Torres said.

Torres and friends took part in the sauna to find relaxation and help in curing her cold.

“The only negative thing I have to say is that I was locked into the sauna when a wood piece flipped down from the wind to lock us in. As a claustrophobic person, I was seeing red,” Torres said. “Betsy from marketing saved us by unscrewing the wooden piece that fell to lock us in.”

Even though this mishap took place, Torres spoke highly of the overall experience and would take part in it again. The sauna will be here until Friday and will likely return next year for students to enjoy.