Modern living: Nordic calm
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Did you make any meaningful purchases during the pandemic? For our family, it wasn't a pet or sourdough starter – it was a sauna kit. Inspired by the Nordic tradition of hot and cold therapy, we decided to bring a touch of Scandi wellness to our home. What began as a creative project during lockdown has become a lasting ritual that continues to ground us, restore us and bring a little calm to even the busiest days. Call it the 'Covid effect,' but for many, creating wellness at home has shifted from novelty to necessity.
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Interior designer Jessica Cinnamon of Jessia Cinnamon Design who is currently reimaging her own backyard into a wellness escape, has observed growing interest in home spa features. 'What used to be exclusive to gyms and resorts is now something clients want integrated into their everyday lives,' she says.
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'The Nordic spa lifestyle aligns beautifully with the Canadian ethos: it's about resilience, connection to nature, and finding peace in solitude,' says Glendon Evans, Founder of British Columbia-based Backcountry Recreation. 'Canadians spend a lot of time outdoors year-round, and increasingly, they want to replicate the restorative, meditative spa experience in their backyards.'
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The sauna is at the core of Nordic well-being, a small but mighty space that promotes deep relaxation, detoxification, and improved circulation. Many homeowners are adding cold plunge tubs or outdoor showers to complement the heat and complete the hydrotherapy cycle. The ritual of warming the body, cooling it down and repeating it has been shown to boost energy, support immunity, and reduce stress– benefits that feel particularly appealing during our darker months.
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'We've seen a significant rise in spa-inspired backyards over the past few years,' says Lisa Biefer, General Manager of Ontario-based Canadian Hot Tubs. 'There's increased awareness around the benefits of contrast therapy, a broader shift toward wellness-driven lifestyles, and a desire to invest in experiences that support long-term well-being.' As Biefer puts it, 'Creating a personal Nordic spa allows you to bring intention into your everyday routine. And that kind of self-care isn't just nice to have in today's world –it's essential.'
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