I honestly never thought I’d find myself willingly stepping into freezing water, but here I am, absolutely hooked on cold plunging. It started as a personal challenge to myself as I have always hated excessively cold water. In fact I am no water baby! It has however quickly turned into one of the most transformative habits of my life. If you’ve been thinking about trying it, or even if it sounds like pure madness, perhaps you will be brave enough to give it a go.
What is Cold Plunging?
Cold plunging is exactly what it sounds like, immersing your body in cold water, usually between 10°C and 15°C (yes my husband went off and bought a thermometer especially for our homemade plunge bath which is a Jojo tank cut in half). It can be a quick dip in an ice bath (even a homemade one like ours), a plunge into the cold sea, or even just a cold shower. The key is the invigorating (yes it is actually invigorating) chill that wakes up your entire system.
Why I Love It (and Why You Might, Too!)
At first, I thought, “There’s no way I can do this!” The initial shock is intense, but that’s where the magic happens. Here’s what I’ve experienced so far:
- An Instant Mood Booster
After just a few seconds in the cold, I feel alive. It’s like a reset button for my mind and body. By the time I step out, I’m energized, focused, and ready to tackle the day. - Better Recovery, Less Soreness
Whether it’s from a tough workout, a long day, or just life’s stresses, cold plunging helps my body feel refreshed. It reduces inflammation and helps me recover faster, so I’m not carrying yesterday’s fatigue into today. I have my own special bay in the sea which I love and living in the Eastern Cape the water is always cold! - Building Resilience
Let’s be honest—stepping into freezing water isn’t easy. But every time I do it, I feel stronger, braver, and more capable of handling life’s challenges. It’s a mental workout as much as a physical one. This was what I initally loved about it. The feeling of overcoming the weakness of my body. Mind over body. - Surprising Health Benefits
From improved circulation and better sleep to potential fat-burning benefits, which include brown fat activation (I love that idea), cold plunging is a gift that keeps on giving.
How I Got Started
If you’re new to cold plunging, the thought can be intimidating, but it’s easier than you think. Here’s how I eased into it:
- Start Small: My first step was ending my warm showers with 30 seconds (if that) of cold water. It was shocking at first but manageable.
- Time It Right: I started with 30 seconds and worked my way up to 5 minutes.
- Focus on Your Breathing: Deep breaths keep you calm and help your body adjust to the cold. It is interesting as breathe work is so important to our health and it works so well in conjunction with the cold plunging.
Why You Should Try It
I have to admit that most days I dont feel like it, but cold plunging reminds me that I’m capable of more than I think, and my body is now craving it each day. Each time I step into that icy water, I’m reminded that discomfort leads to growth—and that’s a lesson worth embracing.
So, if you’re looking for a way to boost your energy, recover faster, and build mental toughness, why not give cold plunging a try? Start small, trust the process, and let the water work its magic. If you live close to a very cold ocean then there is the added bonus of good salt water which contains 72 distinct minerals and trace elements.
You might just discover, like I did, that the cold isn’t something to fear—it’s something to celebrate. I really do feel like a different person since I have been cold plunging and I just love this new addition to my daily health routine. Combine your cold plunging with healthy nutrition and exercise and watch your health transform.
