In today’s world, stress resilience is a superpower, representing the ability to recover and grow stronger from challenges. This is the quality that allows us to navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and strength. There are multiple ways to build resilience to stress and one that has gained popularity in recent years is cold exposure.
Deliberate exposure to cold by taking an ice bath or cold shower is without a doubt uncomfortable, and may even be painful for many. When you first submerge yourself in a freezing cold tub or when a jet of ice cold water hits your skin, the initial reaction for many is to find a way out. The mind starts to panic and scream at you to stop this torture! With time and practice however, you can learn to tolerate the discomfort and even to look forward to it. This is where the magic begins.
Regular exposure to the cold (i.e. a cold plunge or shower) has a host of positive benefits, according to scientific research, including:
- Decreased inflammation
- Enhanced immune system function
- Reduced sickness
- Improved circulation
- Increased fat oxidation
One study published in the journal PLOS One investigated the effects of daily cold showers on sickness, quality of life, and work productivity. Over 3000 subjects were recruited for the study and almost 80% of the participants completed it. Researchers found that those subjects who did cold showers showed a 29% reduction in sickness absence compared to the control group.
Researchers have also explored the possible therapeutic effects of cold exposure on obesity and type 2 diabetes. Cold exposure can boost energy expenditure, lower fasting blood sugar levels, reduce insulin levels and increase fatty acid utilization.
Anecdotally, cold exposure is like lifting weights for your mind. Learning to handle the discomfort of the cold is a brilliant way to forge a resilient mindset, which will transfer into other areas of life. The cold exposure experience is not merely about withstanding the cold; it’s about discovering our true physical and mental potential, one shiver at a time.
