Enter the Cold
Unlocking Mental and Physical Benefits
Cold plunging, or immersing oneself in cold water, has been a popular practice for centuries. From ancient civilizations to modern athletes and wellness enthusiasts, cold plunging has been touted for its many benefits, both physical and mental. So are you up to becoming a better human?
Benefits of Cold Plunging:
Boosts Immune System: Exposure to cold water has been shown to increase the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases.
Improves Circulation: Cold water immersion has been found to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation, leading to improved circulation throughout the body.
Relieves Soreness: Cold plunging has been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate muscle soreness, making it a popular recovery method for athletes.
Reduces Stress: Cold water immersion has been found to activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to a decrease in stress and anxiety. Which simultaneously increases stress resilience.
Enhances Mental Clarity: The shock of cold water has been shown to stimulate the release of adrenaline, endorphins, and dopamine leading to a boost in energy and mental clarity.
How to Do It:
Find a cold water source: This can be a cold shower, a natural body of water, or a cold plunge pool. Ice Barrel has some amazing ones!
Start slow: Begin with short exposure times and gradually increase as your body acclimates to the cold. Ending your shower with 30 seconds of cold could be an awesome start!
Focus on breathing: Take slow, deep breaths while immersing yourself in cold water to help calm the body's stress response. A great protocol you could try is 7, 7, 7. Take a 7 second inhale, a 7 second hold, then exhale for 7 seconds.
Timing: The best time to do cold plunging is in the morning, as it can help jumpstart your day and provide a burst of energy. However, cold plunging can be done at any time of day to reap its many benefits. Though, try to avoid plunging 5 hours prior to bed unless you have a heat source (sauna) near by to rewarm. Nordic saunas are a great barrel sauna
Conclusion: Cold plunging is a simple yet powerful practice that can have profound effects on both the mind and body. By incorporating cold plunging into your wellness routine, you can improve your immune system, circulation, and mental clarity, among other benefits. Remember to start slow, focus on breathing, and take breaks as needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable cold plunging experience. It will change your life!
If you want to join a community of like minded people where you can perform these types of practices together, check out Trybe Summits for an amazing experience!
