The thought of plunging into a pool of ice cold water has never been so appealing...
It might all sound a bit extreme, but there is a reason why professional athletes frequently incorporate ice baths into their recovery programmes. “Cold water immersion reduces inflammation in the muscles by constricting our blood vessels,” says Nike master trainer, Luke Worthington.
It’s not just a physical thing, either. In a very obvious example of mind over matter, enduring icy water – whether it’s a 20 minute bath or two-minute freezing cold shower – takes willpower. Making it to the other side can serve as a reminder that you can do anything you want, should you put your mind to it.
George Veness, the founder of boxing gym Jab, made cold showers a prominent part of its Fight Week recently, encouraging followers to start the day with a stint in cold water, a boxing-based workout, and positive affirmations. “I personally take cold showers every day to reduce inflammation, speed up my metabolism and get mental clarity,” he says. “It’s an incredible way of teaching our bodies to handle stressful situations.
Just like Veness, many others attest to cold water’s positive effects on their mental health, with scientists finding that the body’s stress response to being submerged in cold water , is reduced after just a few spells in water that’s below 15C. Put simply, introducing a little ice water shock therapy into your life could do as much for your mind as it does your body.
Try upping the amount of time you spend in a cold shower each day, beginning at 15 seconds and challenging yourself to up it. Remember to breathe through the – admittedly difficult – first few sessions. But note: “They’re not a great idea before bed, even on a hot night, as you’ll come out feeling energised and alert,” warns Worthington. “They are, however, a good alternative to coffee, so try one in the morning, or on your lunch break if you’re working from home.” The ultimate chill pill.
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