Cold Bath - Finally, I'm not the only 'crazy' one!

Diving into the Benefits of Ice Baths for Recovery and Mental Health

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I’ve been into ice baths for more than three years now due to the distinct effect on body recovery & mental health.

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I was diagnosed with slight hypertension and tried all the hacks, including nutrition, training, and recovery activities, to control it.

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Fortunately, there’s now a lot of exciting science to support the intuition that initially drew me to ice.

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And you don’t need a $1,000 cold plunge or $50/session to take advantage of this.

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This is my chest freezer 😅

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Why should you torture yourself temporarily in freezing water?

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Anti-inflammatory effects & boosted recovery 💪

Constricted blood vessels reduce the impact on muscles and nerves while improving circulation and oxygenation for whole-body regulation.

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Nervous system balance 🧘🏻‍♂️

Cold exposure starts by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, but as your body adapts, it switches to increased parasympathetic activity from vagus nerve stimulation.

This reduces stress, and better sleep, pain management, and digestion.

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Immune health 🛡️

It speeds up the circulation of white blood cells, your body's infection fighters.

And not just your blood benefits; cold exposure also boosts your lymphatic system. Stimulating lymph movement flushes out waste and boosts your immune system.

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Glucose control 🍎

A study showed that a week of consistent cold exposure increased insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetics by 43%. This means your body can efficiently use glucose and promote a healthy metabolism.

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Metabolism & body composition 🔥

It increases your resting metabolic rate and triggers non-shivering thermogenesis, which burns calories by stimulating fat-brown production.

Regular cold exposure can also stimulate "browning," a hormonal reaction that turns white fat into more efficient brown fat.

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Mood & mental performance 🧠

It boosts the production of mood-lifting hormones and neurotransmitters, such as endorphins, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine, by up to 250% for long-lasting benefits. Plus, it reduces cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress.

That will lead to an improved mood, energy, focus, attention, and motivation, as well as relief from symptoms of depression and anxiety.

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To explore the benefits of cold exposure, slowly and gradually build up your tolerance. Always listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions.

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So, go ahead and give it a try, and enjoy the benefits of this crazy practice!

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Until next time.

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— Saf

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Join me on a journey of personal growth, healthy habits, and leadership by subscribing to The Switch Letter.

Listen to the Superhuman Switch podcast to learn insights and strategies from successful entrepreneurs and business leaders who achieve remarkable success while maintaining their well-being.

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P.S. Main image created by AI