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How to Keep Winter Blues Away at a Hot Springs Pool & Spa

With the weather getting colder and the sun setting earlier each day, you might find yourself slipping into a melancholic mood more often. It’s common to feel sluggish, unmotivated, sad, or anxious during winter, but there are things you can do to boost your mental health. Devoting some time to self-care at a hot springs pool and spa can help you beat the winter blues and enjoy the season.

What Are the Winter Blues?

Everyone has days when they don’t feel like themselves and they lack the energy to do anything more than snuggle under a blanket and binge the latest Netflix series. When you feel like that more often between late fall and the return of spring, you may be dealing with a disorder known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Doctors define SAD as a type of depression that’s tied to specific seasons. It’s far more common to experience it during the winter, leading many experts to believe it’s triggered by reduced exposure to sunlight.

Whatever the cause, people with winter depression often deal with physical and psychological symptoms that affect almost every aspect of their lives. Some of the most common symptoms include:

A sad or down mood most days
Low energy
Lack of interest in their usual activities
Sleeping more than normal
Weight gain
Cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods
Lack of focus
Feelings of worthlessness, despair, guilt, or hopelessness

Although the symptoms of the winter blues can be extreme, most people feel better in the spring. However, doctors may recommend remedies that include psychotherapy, light therapy, and medication to help manage the symptoms. Self-care is another effective way to keep seasonal depression under control.

How Visiting a Hot Springs Pool & Spa Can Help You Manage Seasonal Depression

Implementing self-care strategies before your SAD symptoms disrupt your life can help you stay on track all winter. Some techniques that help include getting outdoors, exercising, spending time with loved ones, planning fun activities to look forward to, and taking care of yourself with relaxing mind-body techniques.

Visiting a hot springs spa and pool can check all these boxes. These facilities offer more than just soaking tubs—you’ll find a variety of wellness options, including spa services, yoga, and saunas. What’s better than a place where you can take a restorative yoga class followed by a relaxing hot spring soak and a massage?

Scheduling a visit is more than just a fun activity to look forward to, though. Spending time in the hot springs offers many valuable wellness benefits.

Enjoy the Calming Effects of Hot Springs Soaks

Soaking in a hot springs pool is a great way to relax. The hot water alone can help soothe your tense muscles, while the minerals offer a variety of benefits, from supporting healthy skin to improving circulation and reducing pain. Research shows that soaking in warm water helps increase endorphins, the so-called “happy hormones,” which can boost your mood and help you feel calmer and more focused.

Spending time in a community hot springs pool with friends or even strangers can also help your mood by giving you a chance to build social connections. A stimulating discussion or a heart-to-heart with another person can often help you feel more optimistic.

Improve Relaxation With Sauna Baths

It’s a good idea to search for winter hot springs near me that offer additional amenities, like saunas. Spending some time sweating in a sauna can help you relax and increase endorphins, which can thwart depression and anxiety. The high heat can also boost your immune system and help keep your airways moist and clear, making you less likely to get sick.

Boost Mental Wellness With Yoga

Taking a yoga class with your hot springs soak is an excellent way to strengthen your mind and body. Whether you choose an active and invigorating class to give you an energy boost or a gentler flow that helps you relax, yoga can help improve your mood, support better sleep, and reduce your stress, all of which can help you beat the winter blues.

Combat Winter Blues With LED Light Therapy

Red light therapy can help ease the symptoms of the winter blues. Although typically used for treating skin conditions and related medical issues, LED light therapy can help increase blood flow and circulation, which helps reduce inflammation and pain. The treatments also help create a greater sense of wellness, which can improve energy levels and neural stimulation.

Rejuvenate Your Body & Mind With Massage Therapy

Few things are as relaxing as a massage; combining one with a hot springs soak can be the ultimate restorative self-care getaway. Not only do massages alleviate muscle tension and tightness—physical symptoms associated with anxiety—but different types also offer additional wellness benefits. A lymphatic detox massage, for example, helps enhance your overall well-being by reducing toxins and water retention. This can help you feel more energetic and boost your immune system.

Visit WorldSprings, a Wellness Destination

Globally inspired relaxation doesn’t have to involve passports and last-minute airfare. Visit WorldSprings to enjoy mineral hot springs pools where you can soak your troubles away, as well as stimulating cold plunge pools, soothing saunas, and a range of spa services. Make a reservation today.

Gift a Hot Springs & Spa Experience at WorldSprings

on Sep 10, 2025 | 6 minutes

Gift a Hot Springs & Spa Experience at WorldSprings We all know a friend, family member, or colleague that seems to own everything. Instead of another tangible gift, why not give them an experience gift like a WorldSprings gift card? A trip to WorldSprings is an excellent staycation activity for locals and a great destination for out-of-towners to add to their getaway itinerary. Visitors get a chance to connect, relax, and recharge while making memories and bonding over a shared experience. Why Experiences Are Better Gifts Experiential gifts can create longer-lasting emotional responses and build better relationships when compared to material objects1. Gifting isn’t just about immediate gratification but rather how you want them to feel over time. In other words, a gift that provides long-term satisfaction is often more meaningful2. Giving the gift of a respite from their busy routine is perfect for everyone on your list, like your mom who could benefit from spa gifts to encourage “me time,” your best friend who’s always on the go, or your partner who could use a day to relax and unwind. After all, who couldn’t use an opportunity to focus on self-care? To add a personal touch, pair the WorldSprings gift card with a handwritten note recommending your favorite spa treatments or suggesting a soak in a particular globally inspired region of the wellness destination. The South Pacific Region is open to kids and adults, making a visit to WorldSprings the perfect family experience gift. Why WorldSprings Gift Cards Are Ideal for Any Occasion A WorldSprings gift card shows thoughtfulness because it encourages relaxation, rejuvenation, and wellness — something everyone deserves but rarely prioritizes. Presenting someone with an experience gift says, “I care about you” by opening the doors to enjoy something new. One of the most incredible things about a WorldSprings gift card is that the recipient can use it at any time! If you give experience gifts for couples on Mother’s Day or Christmas, for instance, the lovebirds can take a relaxing soak now or wait to visit the open-air facilities when the weather gets warmer. Order Your Experience Gift Cards Today A gift card to WorldSprings lets the recipient choose how they want to chill out. With more than 40 mineral hot spring pools, invigorating cold-plunge pools, indulgent spa treatments, and saunas all in a serene setting, WorldSprings offers a wellness escape like no other. The friendly staff and top-notch facilities guarantee visitors will have a tranquil or energizing experience. The destination also includes a chance to refuel at The Springs Café & Bar and enjoy poolside drink service during a soaking session. WorldSprings becomes livelier after dark. In the evenings, visitors can share stories around the fire pits and meet new people in the process. Giving the gift of relaxation can give you a little endorphin boost, too. Not only do you get to experience the joy of seeing your spouse or bestie light up when they open your gift, but you can feel good knowing that they’ll be completely relaxed and stress-free when they slip into one of WorldSprings’ mineral hot springs. Whether for a birthday, a holiday, or just because, a WorldSprings gift card is a thoughtful way to show you care. Visit WorldSprings today to purchase the perfect wellness gift and know you’re delivering happiness in the moment and long after. 1. Chan, C. and Mogilner, C. (December 29, 2016). Experiential Gifts Foster Stronger Social Relationships than Material Gifts. UCLA Anderson School of Management Journal of Consumer Research Advance Access. Retrieved February 11, 2025, from, https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/documents/areas/fac/marketing/mogilner/Chan%20Mogilner%20JCR%202016%20Experiential%20Gifts.pdf 2. LeCunff, A. The psychology of gift giving. Ness Labs. Retrieved January 22, 2025, from, https://nesslabs.com/psychology-gift-giving

The Benefits of a Sauna

on Sep 8, 2025 | 5 minutes

An Introduction to Saunas A sauna is a small, wooden room that’s usually heated to between 150 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit (66 and 91 degrees Celsius), and not exceeding 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius)1. There are various types of saunas, including infrared saunas, using infrared light as the heat source, and steam saunas (also called wet saunas), which use steam — produced by pouring water over hot rocks — to increase heat and humidity in the room. A steam room offers a distinct experience with significantly higher humidity levels2. Conversely, the humidity in Finnish saunas is kept low between 5 and 10%, while the heat is a piping 176 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit (80 to 100 degrees Celsius)3. Known as dry saunas, Finnish saunas rely on dry heat coupled with bursts of steam to promote physical and mental relaxation. You’ll find Finnish saunas, lined with birch wood in both barrel and rectangular shapes, located across all regions of our wellness destination. Wellness and Saunas Saunas date back thousands of years to ancient Nordic people. Today, saunas are an integral feature in spas and wellness centers around the world. Today, one in three Finns still use saunas, and the U.S. has approximately a million units in use4,5. Spending time in a sauna can raise your skin temperature to roughly 40 degrees Celsius or 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which causes intense sweating and an elevated heart rate as the body tries to cool down5. You could lose as much as a pint of sweat during a sauna session5! As the heart rate increases, your blood vessels dilate and your circulation increases as well1. The Sauna Experience Saunas are warm, peaceful spaces designed to promote relaxation and stress reduction. But beyond the tranquility they can bring, saunas can also promote your physical well-being. Four Physical Sauna Benefits According to several studies, sauna health benefits include: A lower risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality with regular use4. Relief from everyday soreness as well as the pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis muscles6. Improved lung function in individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with regular sauna use6. Better complexion thanks to the sweating associated with a dry sauna4. Preparing for a Sauna Shower before starting, especially if you’ve been exercising, as this helps remove impurities from the skin2. Be sure you’re wearing proper attire, such as a bathing suit or a towel, and enter and exit the sauna quietly to maintain a calm environment2. It’s important to enjoy your sauna time safely. If you’re new to the experience, begin with shorter sessions, no longer than five minutes. Once you know what works for you and what makes you feel best, you can try staying in for as long as 20 minutes. The heat will cause you to sweat, so be sure to drink plenty of water during the session and avoid alcohol afterward, as it can have dehydrating effects on the body7. Most importantly, listen to your body. If you feel weak, dizzy, or uncomfortable, step outside and ask for help from the staff6. The Sauna at WorldSprings Our saunas are part of a broader experience that aims to promote wellness through soaking sessions in mineral hot springs. For a complementary experience, consider pairing your sauna session with a cold-water soak. Moving between cold plunges and a sauna is an integral part of the Detox circuit of WorldSprings’ Mineral Method. This method, which you can incorporate into a wellness routine, is designed to help your body address overactive inflammation. We also offer a wide range of massage therapies at the spa to suit a variety of needs, including prenatal massage, deep tissue massage, and classic Swedish massage. Consider other wellness services, too, including the Procell Microchanneling Facial and yoga classes in the Sanctuary Studio. Sources Holman, T. (January 13, 2025). What are the health benefits of a sauna? HCA Midwest Health. Retrieved May 30, 2025, from https://www.hcamidwest.com/healthy-living/blog/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-a-sauna Andonian, N. (August 27, 2024). 11 Sauna Benefits That’ll Have You Ready to Feel the Heat. GoodRx. Retrieved June 1, 2025, from https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/alternative-treatments/sauna-benefits#how-to-use-a-sauna Finnish saunas: how they work and their health benefits. Fluidra. Retrieved June 9, 2025, from https://www.fluidra.com/commercial-solutions/inspiration/blog/finnish-saunas/ (April 22, 2024). Dry Sauna vs. Wet Sauna: Understanding the Differences. Retrieved May 31, 2025, from https://sisulifestyle.com/blogs/resources/dry-sauna-vs-wet-sauna-understanding-the-differences De Pietro, M. (June 27, 2023). What are the benefits and risks of a sauna? MedicalNewsToday. Retrieved June 1, 2025, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313109 (August 12, 2024). Get Your Sweat On: The Benefits of a Sauna. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved May 31, 2025, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sauna-benefits Lindberg, S. (September 20, 2019). Health Benefits of Dry Saunas, and How they Compare to Steam Rooms and Infrared Saunas. Healthline. Retrieved June 1, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-sauna-benefits

The Power of Saunas and Soaks

on Sep 9, 2025 | 5 minutes

Humans have been seeking out hot springs and saunas to support their mental and physical wellness for thousands of years. The Romans built public bath houses for rejuvenation and socializing, the Greeks believed hot springs held divine healing powers, and the Indigenous peoples of what is now the American West are known to have sought out the therapeutic qualities of thermal springs1. While we certainly know more about the body and mind in contemporary culture, including how to detox your body, our ancestors noticed the remarkable healing powers of mineral-rich water and heat that are now backed by science. Though neither is a replacement for a healthy lifestyle, adding regular soaks and sauna time into your wellness routine will go a long way toward stimulating your body’s natural detox processes. Visit WorldSprings for a more vibrant, mindful, relaxed you. What Happens When Toxins Build Up? Everyday sources of toxins include processed foods, air pollution, personal care products made with phthalates and parabens, heavy metals like lead, mercury and cadmium, and pesticides. All these combined can lead to bioaccumulation, which is a toxic overload that affects energy, cognitive function, immune function, and metabolic health. This build-up can also cause oxidative stress, which is when an abundance of free radicals leads to inflammation, cardiovascular issues, cancer, and even neurodegenerative diseases. Some persistent organic pollutants are also endocrine disruptors, which can cause reproductive health issues and metabolic disorders2. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to mitigate these issues. Consider regular sauna time and soaks in our globally inspired, mineral-rich waters to improve self-care holistically. How Saunas Support Natural Detox & Wellbeing Improve Circulation As body temperature increases, so does one’s heart rate, which triggers the lymphatic and circulatory systems. With a standard 15–30-minute session, the heart rate rises to between 100–150 beats per minute. Alongside proper hydration, this supports optimal kidney and liver function—primary organs remove toxins from the body—by lowering blood pressure and increasing bloodflow3. Help Balance Hormones Saunas warm and relax the body; this process can activate the endocrine system, which is involved in hormone production—and that includes the hormones associated with mood. Participants in a Finnish study reported better moods after sauna use, likely due to these physical sensations. But research also points to the potential benefits of reducing toxins in the body through sweat, including environmental toxins associated with hormone disruption. Sweating has historically been considered a wellness remedy in cultures around the world, and the scientific community is examining these claims. A 2019 review of research on the roles of sweat found concentrations of some toxins in perspiration, but more research is needed to confirm these findings and related benefits4. Boost Skin Health Regularly sweating it out in the sauna will enhance your skin’s natural exfoliation process, promote collagen production, and reduce the impurities that cause acne and infections. Combined, this leads to healthier skin overall. Reduce Stress As your blood vessels dilate in the quiet, warm environment and circulation improves, your sympathetic nervous system kicks in and your body releases endorphins. In Finland, where sauna was invented, it’s also considered a social experience. This shared time with friends and family leads to connection, community, and a greater sense of wellbeing4. How Hot Springs Detox Your Body & Mind Allows for Trace Mineral Absorption Though most people don’t realize it, poor diet and an overcommitted lifestyle without proper rest can lead to many mineral deficiencies. In turn, this can cause all sorts of health issues like fatigue, depression, muscle cramps, and an overall weakened immune system. Hot springs contain minerals like magnesium, silica, lithium, bicarbonate, and potassium, which support liver function1. When submerged in our mineral-rich waters, you’re absorbing all that goodness through the body’s largest organ: your skin5. Helps Heal the Skin Barrier & Boosts Immunity Thanks to all those trace minerals (magnesium, silica, and calcium in particular) and their anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, soaks can reduce the symptoms of dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis and help replenish the natural skin barrier, making your body less vulnerable to allergens and improving overall immunity. Boosts Oxygen Flow The warmth of the water causes vasodilation which leads to robust blood flow, better oxygenation to organs, and removal of waste products to achieve better cellular health. The mineral content also plays a supportive role by regulating blood pressure and reducing arterial stiffness. Sodium bicarbonate can even make your blood slightly more alkaline, which in and of itself improves circulation. Provides Pain Relief Chronic pain can impact your immune system, mental health, and overall wellbeing. Warm, buoyant, and mineral-rich water improves blood flow and helps reduce stress on the joints, circulate lactic acid out of sore muscles, and ease inflammation6. Promotes Relaxation & Restful Sleep Not only does mineral content like lithium stabilize your mood, but the soothing, buoyant warmth and natural backdrop of a hot spring will engage all your senses. This quiets mental chatter and eases you into the moment, where true mindfulness lives. When you emerge from the water, the drop in your body temperature mimics natural circadian rhythms, allowing you to sleep well and awake feeling rejuvenated–body, mind, and soul5. Visit WorldSprings for Mind-Body Wellness It’s no wonder people have looked to hot springs and saunas as powerful tools for self-care for thousands of years. From athletes to those with chronic illness and pain, everyone will find the combined physical and mental health benefits to be bountiful. As we begin preparing for back to school, the many festivities of the latter half of the year, and cold and flu season, we hope you’ll find respite, relief, and connection here at WorldSprings in our four globally inspired regions. Discover the Americas (Mexico & Guatemala), the South Pacific (Australia & Bali), Europe (Iceland & Italy), and Asiatic (Japan & Korea). Our therapeutic methods will help bolster a vigorous immune system and soothe the nervous system. If you’re looking for a holistic, full body cleanse detox ahead of a busy, stressful autumn, book a soak today. Take advantage of our incredible amenities, including our family-friendly Globe Pool, Finnish-inspired birch-lined saunas, firepits, cold plunges, wellness classes, and a massage or facial from our world-class spa. Sources (15 August 2024). Soaking It Up. Aspen Valley Health. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://aspenvalleyhealth.org/healthy-journey/soaking-it-up/ (12 June 2023). Detox in Sauna: The Science of Sweating. Plunge. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://plunge.com/blogs/blog/detox-with-sauna-the-science-of-sweating Benefits of Saunas for Improving Detox Pathways And Supporting Your Health. LIVV. Retrieved July 16, 2025, from https://livvnatural.com/benefits-of-sauna-s-improving-detox-pathways-what-are-the-different-types/ Cafasso, J. (8 October 2024). Are Saunas Good for You? Understanding the Benefits. Healthline. Retrieved July 16, 2025, from /www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/are-saunas-good-for-you 8 Surprising Health Benefits of Natural Hot Springs. Finding Hot Springs. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.findinghotsprings.com/mag/8-suprising-health-benefits-natural-hot-springs (7 April 2022). The Health Benefits of Soaking in a Hot Spring. Aspen Valley Health. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://aspenvalleyhealth.org/healthy-journey/health-benefits-of-hot-springs/

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