Cold plunging is all the rage right now but what is it and why do people do it?
Brrr! Cold-water plunging is not for the faint of heart. This form of cold therapy may be extreme, but the process of submerging yourself in cold water actually dates back to ancient civilizations, in which this was a part of their bathing routines.
Cold plunging has a ton of great health benefits we’ll dive into but first of all, what is cold plunging? Plus, what do you need to pack to successfully cold plunge? We break it all down below.
The act of cold plunging?
It quite literally refers to plunging yourself into ultra-cold water that is most often below 59 degrees F (15 degrees C). The experience involves a ton of breathwork and mental preparation but for everyone that’s done it, it’s well worth it!
The act of cold plunging may seem odd to some people, but individuals have actually been immersing themselves in ice-cold water for centuries. This is because cold plunging has a ton of great benefits.
The benefits
Whether you’re in the water for 2 minutes, 5 minutes, or longer (depending on what you can handle), cold plunging is an incredible experience and exercise for both the mind and body.
What some people don’t know is that cold plunging can actually increase happiness because it gives your body a boost of Norepinephrine. This is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that can improve energy and is effective in treating things such as depression, or anxiety.
Cold plunging can increase your focus by heightening your awareness. While cold plunging, your body is in fight or flight mode so you become acutely aware of your surroundings. A lot of individuals love cold plunging because it’s a great mindfulness practice.
It helps burn calories because your body needs to work even harder to keep everything warm while controlling your breathwork. As a result, your heart is pumping faster as you sit in the cold water.
It can also help boost your immune system because cold water boosts your amount of white blood cells. This is because it forces the body to react to changing conditions. As a result, your body will eventuate better equipped to handle situations in the future over time.
The gear
If you’re planning on going cold plunging this year, you’re going to need the proper equipment and necessities to get through it. Yeti is a one-stop shop for all of your outdoor gear and it happens to have an incredible selection of must-haves for your next cold plunging adventure.
Check out some of our faves from the brand below and why you’ll need them to experience a cold plunge.
Image Credit: YETI
This tote bag is large and in charge of holding all of your essentials for the experience! Be sure to pack warm loose layers, warm socks, warm shoes, a hat, and gloves to warm up after the dip. It can also be used to house your swimsuit and towels afterward.
Image Credit: YETI
Brushed Fleece Hoodie Full Zip
This is a must-have for after you’re dip! It’s designed to ensure you are kept warm in colder temperatures so it’s perfect for throwing on top of your other loose layers. It’s the perfect hoodie to cozy up next to the campfire with!
Image Credit: YETI
After cold plunging, you’ll want to warm up with a nice hot beverage of choice! This travel mug is perfect for toting on the go and is designed to ensure your drink stays hot. Plus, it comes in a range of colour options.
Be sure to visit YETI for more information and to shop our top must-haves from the brand above. Happy cold-plunging!
Published by HOLR Magazine.