Turns out, ‘cold plunges’ aren’t just for manly men with barrel chests.
There’s some very real science behind this increasingly popular practice. Many athletes, celebrities, and health activists now swear by cold plunging, and for good reason. The feeling in the body is but one small aspect of the benefits.
Whether it’s for mental, physical, or even spiritual well-being, cold plunges get it done.
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Let’s review why cold plunges are so trendy and more importantly what they do for the body and mind…
1. Better Circulation
A primary reason so many athletes use cold plunging is its effect on the blood vessels. When you immerse in that cold water, your vessels naturally restrict. When this happens, your blood goes from your extremities to your inner core.
Research shows that this redirecting of the blood flow has many benefits. It can alleviate muscle soreness, reduce inflammation, and improve recovery from challenging workouts. Whether you have an intense fitness regimen or you just wanna see for yourself, give it a try!
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2. Greater Mental Resilience
This one is less physical, but can translate to physical if you think about it. After all, if you’re mentally stronger, you’re more likely to handle physical discomfort as well. They’re certainly connected.
Remember, getting deep into icy water is no easy task. It takes toughness, commitment, and a good reason to do so. By strengthening these skills, you can learn to push harder in other aspects of your lifestyle as well. Studies indicate that this level of cold exposure triggers the production of important neurotransmitters involved with your focus, attention span, and mood.
In other words, you can handle stress and discomfort better for improved overall health and wellness.
3. Releases Endorphins
Speaking of hormones and neural chemicals, cold plunges are also great for increasing endorphins. If you’re not familiar with endorphins, they’re simply chemicals that make you feel good. They’re commonly known for giving people a ‘natural high,’ sometimes referred to as ‘runner’s high’ after exertion.
The research is pretty consistent on this, which is why many people report feeling better and exhilarated following a difficult cold plunge.
4. Stronger Immune System
Now some of you might be wondering, how is immersing myself in freezing water gonna improve my immune system? Wouldn’t it weaken it?
Well, as the saying often goes, whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Sure, that’s not an exact science, but there is science behind this. Believe it or not, cold plunges increase the production of white blood cells, which as you probably know, are critical to a strong immune system.
Studies have even linked consistent cold plunging to higher levels of white blood cells known as leukocytes. These are necessary for fighting off infections and keeping the body going strong.
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5. Improved Skin and Hair
If you’ve ever taken a long hot shower, you know.
All that heat can pull your natural oils away. With cold water, however, it’s the opposite. You close your pores and cuticles (on your nails) which can preserve moisture and retain that youthful glow you so desperately want and need.
If you want shinier, healthier hair and skin, especially if you have puffiness or redness, consider cold plunging!
6. Better Sleep
Depending on when you do cold plunges, they can reduce your blood pressure, which in turn can tell your body it’s time to sleep. If you have sleep issues like insomnia, cold plunges can make a big difference. In one study from the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, cold plunges helped to initiate sleep and boost overall quality.
So there you have it.
Whether it’s boosting your circulation, improving sleep quality, rejuvenating your skin and hair, bolstering your immune system, or any of the other benefits, cold plunging is popular for good reason.
And the best part of it? These tangible effects target both the body and mind, so you’re getting the full range of benefits every time.
Tired of inflammation? Tired of feeling weak or tired? Tired of all the struggles to get your headspace right? Feel like you’re just somehow lacking, but don’t know how?
Then give that cold water a try. If you have certain medical conditions or sensitivities, be sure to check with your doctor first. If you get the all-clear, then from there, it’s up to you. The plunge, is yours to take…
