Embracing the Chill: The Benefits of Cold Plunge

I know this sounds crazy because if you have met me, you know I’m the coldest person ever. I’m literally always freezing. My ideal temperature is 80 degrees if I’m not moving around. I love the sun, I love being warm and I love not wearing a bunch of blankets, sweaters etc to stay warm. So you’ll never believe me when I say I tried a cold plunge with my husband a few weeks ago and LOVED it.

What kind of crazy person who hates being cold does a cold plunge? Great question. Well, I’m also super into health and wellness and have been listening to a bunch of cool podcasts by Gary Brecka https://www.theultimatehuman.com/ where he and his guests go on and on about how great it is for you to cold plunge. I will go into the science behind it in a few minutes but my husband and I both felt fantastic afterwards. We went to a local spa and we did the couples plunge for 5 minutes. The water was 58 degrees which was very cold to submerge your body in.

At first, I thought I was going to have a panic attack but after about one minute of inhale exhale breathing you start to sort of go numb and it’s not all that bad. We both laughed our heads off and it was an instant dopamine rush. When we got out, we felt energized, happy, proud of ourselves and ready to take on the world. We both had a productive day and slept well that night.
Well, it turns out freezing your butt off is sort of addictive…the next weekend we created our own cold plunge in the bathtub with ice. This was one was REALLY cold with ice still floating in it. We experienced the same results after; our senses were awakened and we felt invigorated and revitalized.

Why might you want to try a cold plunge? Cold Plunge Benefits 411
Physical Benefits:

Muscle Recovery: Cold plunges are well-known for their ability to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation. Athletes, in particular, often turn to cold immersion as a way to speed up the recovery process after intense workouts.
Improved Circulation: The cold causes blood vessels to constrict and then dilate, enhancing blood circulation. This can be beneficial for cardiovascular health and may even contribute to better skin complexion.
Boosted Metabolism: Exposure to cold temperatures can stimulate the production of brown fat, which helps burn calories to generate heat. As a result, cold plunge might be a simple way to lose a few pounds before the holidays!

Mental and Emotional Benefits:

Stress Reduction: The shock of cold water triggers a stress response in the body, leading to the release of endorphins and other feel-good neurotransmitters. This can help alleviate stress and improve mood.
Increased Alertness: Cold immersion can act as a natural energy booster, leaving you feeling more alert and focused. It’s a great way to kickstart your day or overcome that mid-afternoon slump.
Enhanced Sleep Quality: Regular cold plunges have been linked to improved sleep patterns. The drop in body temperature post-plunge can signal the body that it’s time to rest, contributing to a more restful night’s sleep.

If you are scared, (and believe me I was terrified) here are a few tips for a Successful Cold Plunge:

Start Slow: If you’re new to cold plunges, ease into it. Start with shorter durations and gradually increase the time as your body becomes accustomed.
Breathe Mindfully: Focus on your breath to help manage the initial shock. Deep, slow breaths can help calm the nervous system and enhance the overall experience. Honestly, the breathing was an absolute game-changer for me.
Stay Hydrated: Cold plunges can be dehydrating, so be sure to drink plenty of water before and after to stay hydrated.

If I had read this blog four months ago, I would have deemed myself an insane person. I know it sounds daunting and horrifying but cold plunge is a life-changing experience with so many positive benefits, especially on days where you may feel foggy, lethargic or just out of sorts. Coming from this frozen Colorado native, if I can do it, you can do it!