For those looking to improve their health in 2025 and beyond, Julianne Hough has the formula down pat. By combining striking design with wellness practices like a sauna and cold plunge, she creates the perfect formula for consistency.
The dancer and actress took to Instagram to share the Scandi-inspired wellness area in her backyard. It features a striking, black-painted sauna and a stunning black and natural wood cold plunge.
Julianne states: 'When I need to get out of my head, I focus on the body. Anything I can do that gets me connected to my body helps with massive anxiety, depression, and/or just overall overwhelm. One of my favorite modalities is contrast therapy, with my sauna straight into the cold plunge. The Renu Therapy cold plunge is my absolute favorite as it keeps the water clean, the right temperature, and of course is chic and goes with the aesthetic of my house.'
Though it may seem frivolous, her last point about design is absolutely essential. You're much more likely to add wellness accoutrements, like home saunas, to your space if they look attractive. Natural wood and matte finishes keep these pieces from being an unwanted eyesore on your property. It turns them into an overall experience.
Shop the Wellness Edit
This stunning wooden cold plunge has countless health benefits with a Scandi inspired look. If you are planning to invest in a home spa, this is a great first step to test if it's right for you.
The first step in my wellness routine is always lighting a candle. This relaxing neroli, orange blossom, and jasmine candle is made of coconut wax and invites a positive, sunshiney feel into your space.
Dry yourself in style with these sand-colored, striped towels. They would look gorgeous stacked in your home spa to add a touch of chicness, even when they're not in use.
Furthermore, according to experts, having a backyard spa is wonderful for promoting a daily wellness practice.
Dr. Courtney Scott, Medical Director of Momentous Recovery Group, explains: 'With a sauna and cold plunge at home, everything becomes much easier and accessible. They increase the chances of following through with a health routine. They can be used at any time, which increases customizability for the user and also allows for privacy. In the long run, it can reduce costs in comparison to frequent spa treatments while also providing additional value by promoting relaxation and enhancing wellness within the home.'
What exactly are the benefits of a daily sauna and dip in your best cold plunge? Dr. Scott tells Homes & Gardens: 'Through attending sauna sessions on a regular basis, muscle soreness can be alleviated, and the user will notice a mental boost through the release of endorphins. Cardiovascular wellness is improved overall through better circulation and a relaxed state, lowered blood pressure, and increased relaxation. Prolonged session in saunas improves detoxification in the individual because they encourage sweating, which is essential in removing toxins.'
He continues, 'Astonishingly, cold plunges increase how inflammation is controlled and how fast an individual recovers. It can promote the overcoming of soreness and inflammation, and improve blood flow due to weakened blood vessels. They also uplift one’s spirits through the distribution of endorphins and help with the clarity of the mind. The improved movement of mental clarity and enhanced energy even supports the body’s defense mechanisms in a controlled manner.'
Whether or not your daily wellness practice integrates a cold plunge, Julianne Hough's ritual is a reminder of the impact beautiful design can have on your habits. When things are more visually striking, we are all more likely to want to partake.
