issäsä

Issäsä is a Finnish word that translates to "in the sauna" or "in the heat." It is a fundamental part of Finnish culture, referring to the experience of being in a sauna, a room or building designed for heat bathing. Saunas are ubiquitous in Finland, found in homes, apartment buildings, and public facilities. The act of taking a sauna is considered a healthy and relaxing practice, believed to have numerous physical and mental benefits, including stress relief, detoxification, and improved circulation.

The process of sauna bathing typically involves sitting in a hot room, often heated by a wood-burning or electric stove that heats stones. Water is then ladled onto the hot stones to create steam, known as "löyly." This steam increases the humidity and the perceived heat. Saunagoers may alternate between the hot room and a cold rinse, such as a dip in a lake, a shower, or even rolling in the snow during winter. Socializing is also an integral part of the Finnish sauna tradition, with families and friends often gathering in the sauna to relax and converse. The concept of issäsä extends beyond just the physical space; it encompasses the entire ritual and the feeling of well-being associated with it.