Social Sauna: Good for Your Physical & Social Fitness

Most of us will readily agree that social connections make us happier. Having supportive family, close friends, and a sense of community where we live all contribute to our overall sense of happiness and improve our mental health. But what we might not realize is this: those connections also directly impact our physical health. Turns out, this “social fitness” may be just as important (or more) as participating in other health and wellness activities.

What Is Social Fitness?

In 2010, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 148 studies comprising over 300,000 participants and found that individuals with the weakest social ties had a 50% higher mortality rate, meaning the quality of one’s relationships was an even bigger predictor of early death than obesity and physical inactivity. That’s right: your loved ones prolong your life more than even exercise!

Since then, we’ve been able to draw more conclusions as to why that is. It’s now suspected that people who aren’t connected to others stay in a sort of ongoing, low-level fight-or-flight response, which results in higher circulation of stress hormones and higher levels of inflammation, which then can increase one’s risk of conditions like heart disease or Type 2 diabetes.

Researchers at Harvard have since coined the term social fitness when evaluating factors for health and happiness. Although this phrase might bring to mind things like run clubs or morning walk groups, social fitness actually refers to how strong one’s ability is to connect with others –– and not just the people you already know.

Social fitness refers to how strong one’s ability is to connect with others–– and not just the people you already know.

The Pillars of Social Health

Joining groups and interacting with strangers are two pillars of social connection that often go unrecognized compared to romantic partnerships, family, or friends –– but both are just as beneficial to our health. Studies have shown that group membership –– whether it’s being part of a team, community garden, or church –– not only helps treat depression, it actually helps prevent depression from occurring in the future. 

Researchers believe that these two social outlets, of group membership and positive interactions with strangers, tap into a sense of connection with the wider world in a way that one-on-one relationships don’t. Seeing ourselves as part of a whole seems to help, researchers say, with our overall sense of joy and calm.

How To Get Socially Fit

So, what can we do to start practicing social fitness? One Harvard social scientist suggests the 5-3-1 method: connect with five different people each week, maintain at least three close relationships, and get one hour of quality interaction each day.

With so much being written about the loneliness epidemic, social fitness is clearly something we all stand to benefit from. Muscles go away when you don’t use them, and our social muscles are weaker than ever. 

We at Takka certainly believe so, and are continuing to look for ways to facilitate connections through our community sauna at Takka Portage. We’ve always believed a communal sauna culture is linked to a happier, healthier population. Now we’ve got the data to back it up!

Wellness is about more than just physical health—it’s about feeling connected, supported, and part of something greater

Social Sauna: Good for Your Physical & Social Health

At Takka, we know that wellness is about more than just physical health—it’s about feeling connected, supported, and part of something greater. Our community sauna at Takka Portage is designed to be a space where these meaningful connections can thrive. 

Whether it’s sharing a quiet moment with friends or striking up a conversation with someone new, the social sauna offers an opportunity to nurture those vital “social fitness” muscles in a setting that’s warm, inviting, and restorative.

Ready to prioritize your social fitness? Step into the embrace of Takka and see how a little warmth and connection can make a big difference. 🌿🔥

Inspired by what you’ve read? Share this post and help spread the word about the power of social fitness!