While it might not seem like the most pleasant experience, there are many benefits to dousing yourself in freezing cold water. In fact, this simple practice might just be the reset your body and mind have been craving.
What is a cold plunge?
A cold plunge can be as simple as sitting in a bathtub full of ice cubes, or it can mean jumping into a frigid ocean. It simply means immersing your body in cold water for a period of time, and it’s possible to reap some of the benefits from cold plunges simply by taking a cold shower.
If you’re jumping into any kind of body of water, be sure there isn’t a strong current — and it’s always a good idea to test the temperature first, as some water can be deceptively freezing.
What are the benefits of cold plunges?
Cold plunges work by constricting blood vessels, which activates your immune system and improves cardiovascular health.
There are many possible benefits, including:
- Reduced inflammation and soreness. Research has shown that cold plunges are especially beneficial after exercise, as they can reduce inflammation and soreness, helping you feel even better the next day.
- Better mental health. Research also suggests that cold plunging can reduce anxiety and depression. One study found that a cold plunge caused a 250% increase in dopamine, or the “feel-good” chemical, which lasted for several hours. Cold plunges can also reduce stress, possibly by strengthening the parasympathetic nervous system and increasing the body’s ability to stay calm amid its fight-or-flight response.
- Stronger immune system. Some research has found that cold plunges can improve your immune system, possibly by increasing white blood cell count in the body — which leads to a lower likelihood of getting the sniffles or other health problems.
- Boosted metabolism. A cold plunge can boost your metabolic rate five times above its resting rate, leading to improvements in digestion. Research has also suggested that cold water can improve how the body handles insulin, which controls blood sugar levels, and this can help control diabetes and improve energy levels overall.
Of course, you’ll have to try out the cold plunge for yourself to know for sure. Once you’ve felt its rejuvenating effects on your own body and mind, you might just want to fill up your own bathtub with ice cubes and make it a part of your everyday routine.
At Hariharalaya, you can try out an ice bath for yourself on the final full day of our retreat. It’s the perfect way to transition from our afternoon fitness course to the evening’s fire ceremony — a sequence designed to help you blow off steam, come into your body, and fully let go of whatever you need to release, so you can head out into the world feeling rejuvenated and fully alive.
