Why is cold water immersion becoming so popular?

Increased endorphin production

The practice of exposing yourself to cold-water has shown a remarkable capacity to increase dopamine levels, one of the feel-good endorphins by an impressive 250%. Additionally, incorporating a consistent routine of cold-water immersion has been proven to elevate your baseline dopamine levels, extending beyond the immediate post-immersion period to encompass the entire day leading to an enhanced sense of well-being & heightened overall resilience.

Reduce stress levels

Positive stressors are those activities that may be initially challenging but ultimately yield significant benefits for our mental health, emotional well-being, and physical fitness. These activities include weightlifting, running, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), embracing physical challenges, stepping out of our comfort zones, immersing ourselves in heat through saunas, and experiencing cold through some form of immersion practise.

Incorporating more of these positive stressors into our lives enhances our resilience in handling other forms of stress, often considered negative. Think of it as creating a protective buffer—engaging in consistent routine of cold exposure, heat, exercise, and facing challenges empowers us to better regulate and control our stress responses when life's challenges arise.

Stimulate fat loss through thermogenesis

Within the body, there are two distinct types of fat: unwanted, unhealthy fat that tends to accumulate in less desirable areas (commonly referred to as White Fat) & beneficial fat known as Brown Fat, primarily located around the neck, shoulders, & shoulder blades. Brown Fat serves as a metabolic tissue responsible for generating heat when exposed to cold temperatures, a process referred to as 'Brown Fat Thermogenesis.'

Engaging in some form of regular cold-water immersion activates this brown fat, leading to an increased metabolic burn rate that benefits metabolism. In simpler terms, exposure to cold stimulates these brown fat stores to produce heat, in this heat production your metabolic rate increases that results in a more effective calorie expenditure.

Strengthen personal grit

Many are likely familiar with David Goggins & the formidable character he embodies. If not, I encourage you to explore his presence across various online platforms. One of the remarkable aspects that sets him apart is his capacity to embrace the 'hard' aspects of life. Consistently embracing challenges & seeking discomfort seems to yield substantial benefits in terms of character development, resilience, & the forging of inner strength.

Engaging in regular cold exposure serves as a prime example of this approach by immersing oneself in the intense environmental stress of cold. As we acclimatise to the cold & find control over our breath, we come to realize that we can navigate it. This sense of control allows us to work through the discomfort & discover a level of comfort within it. Building this tolerance & actively engaging in activities that stretch our limits is the key to cultivating personal grit & forging better personal resilience.

Enhanced mental health

Exposing yourself to cold-water triggers the activation of various chemicals in the brain, & among these; Norepinephrine stands out as particularly significant. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating attention, focus, & mood, among other functions.

Studies have demonstrated that the regular practice of cold-water immersion leads to a remarkable 530% increase in Norepinephrine levels in the bloodstream. This surge in Norepinephrine has been shown to contribute to a heightened state of happiness, increased focus, & enhanced energy levels for individuals.

Recovery

Strength coaches & professionals in the field of sports science, spanning various athletic disciplines, have employed cold & ice baths for decades as a means of facilitating active recovery & alleviating soreness in athletes. This practice is well-established.

When we immerse ourselves in cold-water, the blood circulation pathways within our bodies narrow & constrict. This redirection of blood away from our extremities, such as our fingers & toes, is aimed at centralizing it around our vital organs to maintain warmth.

Upon exiting the cold exposure, these same blood flow pathways open & dilate, allowing for the recirculation of blood throughout the body. This reopening not only enhances circulation but also prompts a rapid dilation that aids in the removal of waste materials & stagnation, essentially serving as a flushing mechanism for the circulatory system. As waste materials are cleared away, fresh oxygen & essential nutrients are efficiently transported throughout the body via the bloodstream.