Wellness Calendar: Wednesday 20 August

Cold showers and cold swims

There’s not a great deal of research in this area. Instead, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence to support the notion that exposing the body to bouts of cold water can have all sort of health benefits: boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation, improving depressive and anxious symptoms, aiding blood circulation.

Moreover, if anyone is experiencing a disconnect between the body and the psyche, or if they are stuck in the past, having a cold-water moment can really help bring the whole of you together in the here and now. Having a brief ‘gasp’ from the shock of the cold, followed by (for some) a mild euphoric feeling once you have warmed up, can be a life-affirming tonic.

No, it’s not for everyone. And yes, there are risks to exposing the body in cold temperatures for too long. And yes, there’s more information about this on the internet.

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