Cold exposure is becoming more and more popular in the health field recently, with a large body of evidence suggesting that exposure to the cold can have a myriad of benefits for our physical and mental health. Although the last thing we want to expose ourselves to (especially in the winter) is more cold, just 30 seconds a day can be all you need to provide substantial changes to your body.

 

Some of the benefits include:

  1. Improved mood – cold exposure causes the release of dopamine in the body, which is one of the main hormones involved in improving mood, focus and attention.
  2. Metabolism – repetitive exposure to cold can impact the way in which the body metabolizes food, which in turn can assist with energy, sleep and even weight loss.
  3. Increase energy – the increase in adrenaline and noradrenaline in the body after cold exposure helps provide sustained energy and focus throughout the day.
  4. Improved immunity – cold showers can help activate blood cells that are responsible for fighting infection, thus leading to an increase in the body’s ability to fight viruses.

 

Where to start:

The best way to begin with cold exposure is with cold showers. You can start by finishing your shower with 10-15 seconds of cold, gradually decreasing the temperature, and increasing the time – aim to reach 1-2 minutes in the cold. This is an easy way to get the benefits of cold exposure without having to change your morning routine. I do this every morning and notice a substantial difference in my energy and mood throughout the day.

Ice baths are another great tool for starting with cold exposure. The easiest way to start ice baths is to fill a bath with cold water and add 1-2 bags of ice. There are also a variety of ice baths available online. It is recommended that the temperature sits around 10-15C, and 2-3 minutes immersed in the ice bath is more than enough to experience benefits.

 

Risks:

It is always recommended that you start slowly and gradually build up your tolerance to the cold, and check with your GP prior to commencing any cold exposure. It’s also recommended that you have a friend present when completing ice baths.

 

If you would like to learn more about the benefits, contact us for more information and personalised advice.