Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
COLD WATER THERAPY BENEFITS
We live our lives in the comfort zone if you look around and see all the things that make our lives easier like technology, heating and cooling, cars, remote controls for everything. (Just to name a few) In my own life span I have seen so much change and although some of this has been an improvement there has also been a lot that has created laziness and comfort zones. We are amazing Human beings with so much strength and power within but I have noticed that we are no longer using these gifts because everything has become too easy just to push a button and get what we need.
We need to get uncomfortable at times to push ourselves beyond the comfort zone remember how powerful we are and what is achievable. Not only with this help us with our Mental Health by building internal resilience it is also good for our bodies to move and create challenges to motivate us to be better versions of ourselves. There are so many ailments that people have that could improve with some small changes to their daily routines.
IMPROVEMENT IN SLEEP
You may notice improvement in your sleep with a deeper and more REM sleep
MUSCLE RECOVERY
Ice baths are great because they reduce muscle inflammation, swelling, pain and remove lactic acid build up in the body. You may even find they are less sore after an intense session.
STIMULATE THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Getting into the icy water shocks your central nervous system and increases alertness. Taking a cold shower in the morning can also create alertness and lessen the need for your morning coffee.
INCREASES YOUR ENERGY LEVELS
In short periods of time being in cold water can create changes to your hormone secretion.
Norepinephrine is a hormone that is responsible for regulating attention, focus and energy and studies have shown this to increase during cold exposure.
(Have you ever noticed how you are more alert when you are cold naturally than when you are cozy and warm you are very relaxed)
BOOSTS YOUR METABOLISM
The cold water increases your brown adipose tissue in the body which is responsible for converting
energy into heat to keep the body warm – this is what boosts your metabolism.
CULTIVATE BREATHING
More conscious of your breath going in and out, learning how to use that breath to slow and
regulate your emotions in a space that would normally put you in a flight and flight state.
HELPS WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND ANXIETY
An ice bath is like a reset button and rebirth, it can create a clearer mind with more clarity.
Create a calmer state of mind, stress less about things that would normally trigger you.
IMPROVES RESILIENCE
The initial shock of the cold although can be uncomfortable at first, with your breathing and control you will start to feel stronger in your body and create the ability to deepen the experience and create more resilience in your body as well as other areas of your life. Things that felt challenging in your life and unachievable now become easier and more attainable, changing the mindset.
IMPROVES YOUR DISCIPLINE
When I first started ice bathing I would be fearful the whole session before I got into the bath and although it was a shock to my system I also knew that I was able to do it, consciously making the choice to submerge myself into ice water takes a lot of discipline and mental strength its definitely a mind game for sure. We can talk ourselves into anything and out of everything but each week my mind got stronger and the inner discipline you create within is powerful
BOOSTS MOOD
Exposing yourself into cold water you will notice the prolonged release of dopamine which is powerful molecule capable of elevating your mood, enhance focus, attention and goal oriented behaviors.