Personal Wellness Thoughts
Thoughts on Cold Water Treatments
All winter long I saw posts on Instagram about Cold Water Plunges and people buying large plunge containers for their backyards or garages here in New England for their daily cold water plunge.
I have been intrigued by the science behind it but never brave enough to try one. Even just the alternating “fire and ice” routine my daughter would do for her ballet injuries seemed unbearable.
The science behind the benefits of cold water treatments is impressive. Here are some of my favorites:
- Reducing inflammation and muscle soreness aiding in muscle recovery
- Improved circulation and blood flow as a result of the blood vessels constricting
- Strengthening the immune system
- Improved mood due to the release of endorphins
- By increasing metabolic rate, they help burn calories and promote fat loss
- Tightened pores for healthier skin
People also talk about the emotional high from accomplishing a hard thing each day with a cold plunge. Lately, I have heard several people comment about ending their showers with a few minutes of cold water as an alternative to the plunge. I decided to get brave and try it!
I turn on energetic music and do a mini-routine of squats and stomach crunches to pass the time. My goal is 2 minutes. To be fair, my cold shower is not nearly as cold as a cold ice bath found in a cold plunge but it is a start!
Here is what I have learned:
- My skin feels amazing when I get out of the shower
- I am proud of myself for enduring the 2 minutes
- I need a distraction for the 2 minutes to hep pass the time
- I am not ready for a cold ice plunge yet but hope I can work up to it
If you have a cold water treatment as part of your personal wellness routine, I would love to hear about your experience with it and the results, so reach out!
~JC xoxo
