Cold Water May Start Your Year Off Right

You may have seen people jumping into frigid seas or stylish ice baths, claiming these dunks are good for heart health, muscle recovery, stress and more.  It has its roots in traditions dating back hundreds of years. Today’s experts have ideas for why cold-water immersions might work, and they are based on both scientific and anecdotal evidence.

According to a study published in the journal Current Psychology, participants who took showers of 50-57 degrees Fahrenheit for up to a minute daily for two weeks reported lower stress levels than the control group. Also, Dr. Rachelle Reed, an exercise physiologist in Athens, Georgia believes that old showers may also improve mood and energy or mental alertness. She said, “You sort of feel a little bit elated, and that is thought to be due at least in part to that increase in (the) neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine.” 

During immersive cold therapy, the temperature shock can briefly stress the cardiovascular system, spiking blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate. This can lead to improved blood flow. That said, people who have cardiovascular issues, circulatory problems, diabetes, are pregnant, have recently had surgery, or are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, should not try cold showers or bathing without speaking to a doctor first.

If you want to try cold-water immersion, and have been cleared by your doctor, experts suggest you start small. So, ease into it. No matter what you do, experts agree you should pay attention to your body’s feedback, and you should remove yourself from the cold if you need to.

We live in an area that presents many different opportunities for cold-water immersions. Whether it is a cold indoor, or outdoor, shower or bath, a dive into the Pacific or, as I have done for several years now, a New Year’s Day jump into the San Francisco Bay. While some may think you are crazy, why not try it and see if it helps your mood and health and starts your year off right!