what are the benefits of cold plunging

Cold plunging, or immersing oneself in cold water (typically 50°F or below), offers a range of physical and mental health benefits. These include improved circulation, reduced inflammation and muscle soreness, enhanced recovery from exercise, boosted immune function, increased resilience to stress, metabolism acceleration, improved mood and mental alertness, and better sleep quality. Additionally, cold plunges stimulate the production of brown fat, which burns calories to help regulate body temperature, aiding weight management. They also trigger the release of mood-enhancing hormones like dopamine and noradrenaline, contributing to reduced anxiety and depression. However, some effects, such as muscle growth, may be slowed if cold plunging is used immediately after strength training.