Self-care has become synonymous with luxurious spa days and elaborate skincare routines. Now, there’s a new contender for the title of ultimate wellness practice: cold plunges. Recently, Erykah Badu celebrated her birthday not with lavish gifts or extravagant parties, but with a bold plunge into icy waters. It’s a scene that’s captured the attention of her followers on Instagram and added to the ongoing wave of curiosity about the benefits of cold exposure.
But what exactly is a cold plunge, and why are so many people intrigued by this chilly trend? Even influencers like Shelah Marie and her husband, Ace Hood, have tried it. Surprisingly just a bit of chill has a ton of benefits.
Cold Plunge Benefits
A cold plunge, also known as cold immersion therapy or cold water therapy, involves submerging your body in water that’s typically between 50 to 60 degrees. It’s usually for a short time period but the duration is up to the person undertaking the practice. This intense cold exposure can trigger a range of physiological responses in the body, including the constriction of blood vessels and the activation of the body’s natural heat-producing mechanisms.
Dr. Barrett sheds light on the unexpected benefits of subjecting your body to the cold. Contrary to what you might think, the initial shock of cold water doesn’t just wake you up; it can also lift your mood.
“You might think that exposing your body to the cold should make you pissed off. But guess what? It doesn’t, it does the opposite,” Dr. Barrett explained. “It does feel startling when you do it. But when you get used to it, it actually is a better treatment for depression than any single medication.”
Beyond improving mood, cold plunges offer a myriad of physical benefits. According to Dr. Barrett, they can relieve sore muscles, enhance tolerance to stress, boost immunity, and promote healthier skin. The secret lies in the impact on blood vessels. With regular exposure to cold, the smooth muscles in blood vessels contract and expand, promoting cardiovascular fitness and reducing stress.
Getting Started with Cold Plunges
How much time do you really need to invest in this chilly practice to reap the rewards? Jessica Janssen, a Practitioner at The Wellness Way Eau Claire, breaks it down.
“In as little as 11 minutes a week, that’s 1.5 minutes a day, these cold water plunges can increase thyroid production,” she explained. “[They] force your liver to do more conversion, increase your blood flow, which helps with pain and inflammation, and increase your mental resilience.”
Imagine, just a minute and a half a day could lead to a stronger, more resilient you. Cold plunges aren’t just about enduring discomfort, they’re about embracing the transformative power of cold water on both body and mind.
Dr. Barrett recommends easing into the practice of cold plunges gradually. Begin with short bursts of cold exposure during your shower, gradually increasing the duration as you become more accustomed to the sensation. And if you’re ready to take it to the next level, consider investing in an ice bath for the ultimate cold plunge experience.