Have A Cold Bath
Brain Fitness | 1.20.20 | By John O’Hanlon
Cold-water therapy is an effective practice that delivers both physical and mental benefits! The process simply involves immersion into cold water. The most typical practice is full body submersion for 2 minutes. However for populations such as those with Fibromyalgia, the practice would typically start with hand immersion into a bowl of ice water. Gradual exposure will lead to an increased ability to endure and thrive with this practice!
The mental benefits are more ‘subjective’ but studies have shown it to be an effective treatment for a wide variety of mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. It is also a way to kick thermogenesis into overdrive! Thermogenesis is a way we produce heat to keep our bodies warm and when we are exposed to cold temperatures this process accelerates. The cold exposure forces your body to burn more calories in order to maintain homeostasis and regulate your core body temperature. The brain also benefits because exposure to cold stimulates cold-shock proteins, which in turn reduces degeneration. Immune function increases because ice baths decrease inflammation which then allows the body to heal more quickly!
Jumping out of the ice bath I felt so alive and PRESENT! I felt lighter and happier, accomplished and very focused! Practicing cold-water therapy has been extremely empowering and always provides me with a clearer, healthier perspective! Throughout my healing journey, striving for the most empowering perspective has been at times extremely challenging but the cold has a way of cutting through the trivial and has been a very effective tool for focusing on what truly matters!
Now don’t get caught up with the word bath because a two minute dip has been shown to give you all of the desired physiological benefits! Going beyond 2 minutes becomes more of a psychological endeavor. As with any tip, it’s always good to check in with a healthcare provider to make sure this is something that is right for you at this time.