The Psychological Benefits of Cold Exposure: Beyond the Physical

Have you ever wondered why people would subject themselves to the frigid temperatures of an ice bath? Why do you think they do that? What could the reason be for individuals to put them through such an uncomfortable experience? While many physical benefits come with taking an ice bath, this practice even extends its benefits to the psychological. But how exactly can taking regular ice baths benefit you psychologically?

What is an ice bath?

As the name suggests, an ice bath is exactly that: an ice bath. An ice bath consists of a small body of water filled with ice to ensure it reaches freezing-cold temperatures. Individuals will then immerse themselves in these baths to promote their mind and body’s ability to work at their full potential.

3 Major psychological benefits of taking an ice bath

While being able to immerse your body in ice-cold water seems like it would mainly affect you physically, there are several psychological benefits of this practice, too.

1.   It helps lower cortisol levels naturally

While jumping into freezing water might not seem like an ideal way to reduce cortisol, taking an ice bath has a unique effect on the stimulus for your body. Research has shown that cold water immersion (CWI) actually shifts the hormonal stress response and significantly decreases cortisol levels, which could remain lower for up to three hours after just 15 minutes in an ice bath. This means that CWI may have the potential to alter your body’s response to stress caused by daily life when done regularly. A better response to stressors could eventually translate into building psychological resilience.

2.   It may improve your brain health

In addition to lowering your cortisol to help you respond better to stressors and help you sleep better, researchers have scientifically observed that ice baths have the potential to improve your brain’s overall health. When you enter the ice bath, the dramatic change in temperature causes stress that triggers an immediate psychological response. A surge of electrical impulses is sent from the cold receptors in your skin to your brain and activates several neural pathways.

To counteract the stress of the temperature change, your body releases endorphins (natural pain relievers), and as a result, makes you feel more at ease physically, but this also enhances your feeling of well-being similar to that of the “runner’s high”. Simultaneously, cold water therapy activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and causes your body to release noradrenaline to help you manage acute stress by making you feel more alert and ready for action. Due to the endorphins promoting a positive mood and the noradrenaline making you feel alert, the dual response does a good job of helping you improve your energy levels, focus and mood overall.

3.   It could improve the quality of your sleep

Sleep is vital to our mental and physical health and is central to our ability to function properly. When our body and mind are fatigued from stress, physical labour, or exercise, this can negatively affect our ability to sleep. Studies show that your body can heal itself more effectively when you hit a deep sleep. When you’re exposed to icy cold water, it stimulates the nervous system and your body in a similar way to how an air conditioner and a cold room would. It signals to your body that it’s time to sleep, helping you reach a deeper level of sleep so your body can recover.

Are there any risks of taking ice baths?

Taking ice baths is generally quite safe; however, if you have any pre-existing conditions, then there are some risks that you should be aware of. For example, if you have high blood pressure or issues with your heart, the initial shock when you get into the ice bath could impair your blood circulation, causing other issues to arise.

Furthermore, cold water exposure to this degree can also send you into hypothermia, which is when your body starts losing heat faster than it can develop. Because of these risks, checking with a professional before taking an ice bath is always important. Rather be safe than sorry, right?

Where can you take an ice bath in Brisbane?

You could take an ice bath at home or even fill up a drum at the track after training, but you won’t have professional supervision and help to ensure you’re safe or doing so properly. If you would like a facility to enjoy ice bath treatments, consider TH7 Body Labs. As professionals, they’ll guide you through the treatment, ensuring you receive all the benefits of ice baths.

Final thoughts

As you can see, there’s a method to the madness. Not only do ice baths make you feel refreshed and revitalised, but they also improve your blood flow, reduce muscle soreness and allow your body to recover faster so you can get out there and continue training. That’s why athletes take ice baths after their workout.