ONE
ENERGY & VITALITY
Cold plunging is an efficient way to restore depleted energy and vitality. After an hour of yard-work in the Texas sun, my energy is zonked. To recharge my battery quickly, I take a 3-minute plunge at 52 degrees in the Fjord. Those 3 minutes in the cold water abate my exhaustion, leaving me feeling refreshed, glowing with calm, clean, natural energy.
TWO
IMPROVED SLEEP
A 2021 medical paper by Chauvineau and colleagues showed cold water immersion increased slow-wave sleep and reduced nighttime waking resulting in more restful sleep. Cold water exposure at the proper dose, 3-4 hours before bedtime, has been shown to improve time-to-sleep and overall sleep quality as tested with the Oura Ring.
THREE
ANTI-DEPRESSION
Cold plunging has been proven to reduce depression and improve overall mood! Exposure to cold is known to activate the nervous system and increase the blood level of beta-endorphin and noradrenaline and to increase synaptic release of noradrenaline in the brain, which results in an enduring anti-depressive effect.
FOUR
RECOVERY & PERFORMANCE
Cold water exposure reduces inflammation and soreness in the muscles. This is why sports medicine has utilized ice-baths for years to help athletes recover from intense workouts or competitions. Cold plunging regularly also improves performance by increasing blood flow and oxygenation to the muscles. This results in better muscle function and less fatigue during exercise.
FIVE
IMMUNE SUPPORT
Cold water exposure has been shown to have a positive impact on the immune system. It can increase the production of white blood cells and boost the body’s natural defenses against infection and illness.
SIX
MINDSET
Beyond physical benefits, cold water immersion can also have a big positive impact on mental health. It can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase mental clarity and focus. One of the first things that attracted me to cold water immersion was the mental toughness it requires and builds.
SEVEN
PAIN RELIEF
Cold water immersion is an effective way to reduce pain and inflammation in the body. One of the main reasons for this is the increase in the neurotransmitter norepinephrine that occurs during cold exposure. Studies have shown that consistent cold water exposure increases norepinephrine levels by up to 5 times. This boost in norepinephrine can dramatically reduce inflammation and help with chronic pain.