The darkness still lingering on an early morning, shivers of anticipation, and the sheer exhilaration of cold water touching warm skin – an icy plunge is a wonderful way to feel alive. It’s easy to get lost in the mundane routine of life, but a body submersion creates a space that separates the individual from their troubles to focus on the now – which is freezing!
While willingly delving into uncomfortable temperatures of water, there are many ways to make your experience an enjoyable one. Looking to learn the benefits and survive the trending practice of a cold plunge? We’ll guide you through a few factors to ensure you get through this frosty adventure swimmingly.
Potential benefits of a cold plunge
A freefall into freezing water might sound like a strange start to the day, but there are several possible positive advantages of this toe-numbing practice. If you’re a regular early riser for your sport of choice, a cold plunge can help with muscle soreness and inflammation after exercise.
A cold plunge is also a great way to begin the day through a practice that will be sure to ward off any lingering feelings of sleepiness. This icy practice has also been theorised to boost your mood, which is a great way to start your morning off with a bang.
Embodying the cold | Tips & tricks
While it might seem like a daring practice to jump into icy water and hope for the best, you’ll benefit from having a game plan ahead of time. This way you’ll know what to expect and master the art of the illusive cold plunge.
If you’re looking to reap the full benefit of immersing your body in the cold, be sure to stay in the water for a few minutes. Remember, you’re body won’t be used to the shock of the temperature change, so be sure to work yourself up to longer dips each time you make the trip.
While one of the most common ways to start your journey of cold plunges is to make your way to a beach, there are other ways to enjoy this activity. From adding ice to your bath or starting slow with a quick dunk in an unheated pool early in the morning, you’re in for a cool experience (pun intended).
Deep breathing is essential for your body to remain calm, you’ll feel your body become less tense and still with each breath you take.
If you have respiratory issues, such as high blood pressure, be sure to consult a healthcare professional before venturing into the water.
Compiled by Louise Bell
