A cold plunge is the act of submerging your body in cold water (59 degrees Fahrenheit or less) for an extended period of time. It is also known as cold water immersion or cold water swimming. There are many different ways to cold plunge, including a jump into the ocean, an ice bath, a cold shower, or a professional circulating cold tub. Cold plunges are rich in physical and mental benefits, and countless high-achievers credit their success to a combo platter of meditation and cold plunging. Here are some of the benefits of cold plunging:
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Reduced inflammation and stress: Cold plunges can help reduce inflammation and stress.
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Boosted immune system: Cold plunges can help boost the immune system.
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Increased dopamine levels: Cold plunges have shown the ability to increase baseline dopamine levels, which is linked to motivation and can enhance focus and lower the threshold for taking action towards specific goals.
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Improved mood: Cold plunges might help to reduce depression and improve overall mood.
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Pain relief: Cold plunges can help with pain relief.
However, cold plunges also come with risks. Plunging the body into cold water triggers a sudden, rapid increase in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure known as the cold shock response. That can cause a person to drown within seconds if they involuntarily gasp while their head is submerged. The shock also places stress on the heart and makes it work harder. Within minutes, the loss of heat begins causing other problems. Therefore, it is important to take safety precautions and start slow, gradually working your way down to colder temperatures.
