3 Benefits of COLD IMMERSION: Part 2
NO FEAR OF COLD HERE!
Here are THREE MORE benefits of COLD IMMERSION:
1. DECREASES INFLAMMATION
When in cold water, your blood vessels constrict so there's less blood flow to the area, which leads to less swelling/inflammation leading to less pain
2. SILENCES THE MIND
At first, the feeing of "panic attack" may come over you as you immerse, but then the body relaxes and mind quiets as you focus within to withstand the cold sensation. This is where the silences of all thoughts happens -- a reprieve, sort of meditation, that is so needed these days as we all are bombarded everyday with technology and LIFE
3. REDUCES ANXIETY
Increase brain chemicals that regulate mood, such as dopamine, following the cold soak, which feels like a "high" when done with the cold dip
Let's be clear. This is for a FEW minutes. I personally do a minimum of 5-10 minutes in 60 degree water or lower temps when I have access.
You do not have to swim for minutes. That is practice for those acclimating for long distance water swimming, which is a whole other beast.
This article is JUST FOR COLD IMMERSION.
Best,
Stephanie
Swimsuit Engineer