Rebecca talks to us about cold water therapy
Taking a plunge into cold water or having a cold shower might sound to some like a form of medieval torture, but many report that there are vast physical and mental health benefits. These include:
• Improving general wellbeing, and possibly helping with depression and anxiety
• Boosting the immune system and helping to lower the risk of infection
• Reducing muscle pain and stiffness after exercise, by reducing swelling and inflammation
• Improving risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as blood pressure
Wim Hof says that putting your body under stress in this way can help us to build resilience, and release dopamine, a hormone and neurotransmitter that gives you feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation. He recommends starting very slowly, by switching your normal shower to cold for the final minute to test whether this works for you.
The first time I tried this I think I managed about 20 seconds; it was unbearable whilst I was in it, yet immediately afterwards I found that I felt lifted, and more ready to face the day and so I persisted gradually building up my tolerance in small increments.
Cold water therapy is not without its risks and as such it is important that you start this gradually and always consult with your GP.
