Mike T. Nelson, Ph.D., founder of Extreme Human Performance previously explained to mindbodygreen that cold showers and ice baths are both examples of hormesis—positive stressors that cause the body to push beyond its comfort zone and adapt both physically and cognitively. “The concept of hormesis is simply that if you apply a tiny bit of stress to a system, it will get better,” he said.
When we submerge ourselves in ice-cold water, our bodies shocked by the drastic temperature change, causing our brains to signal to our bodies that it’s under stress and needs to respond ASAP. When done safely (aka in a controlled environment for a short amount of time), immersing yourself in an ice bath can have a ton of health benefits.
Seema Bonney, M.D., founder and director of the Anti-Aging & Longevity Center of Philadelphia, previously told mindbodygreen cold plunging can have impactful effects on our neurotransmitters, increasing dopamine (which improves focus and motivation) and norepinephrine levels (which reduces inflammation and chronic pain symptoms).
Plus, cold plunging has been shown to lower cortisol levels2, which can decrease stress and improve the body’s response to injury.
Athletes have been using ice baths for decades as a recovery tool post-game or workout—and with brands like Ice Barrel, cold therapy is now available to the masses. Studies show that a post-exercise ice water immersion can actually impact performance in addition to aiding in muscle recovery.
