So I am doing something new. Having been inspired by a yoga friend on Facebook recently I have invested in a cold plunge pool thing. My “pool” arrived yesterday and I promptly got it set up and filled with water. It wasn’t very expensive and you can find it here https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWN7SZRC?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details I bought this one based on good reviews in general.

I’ve gotten in this thing now three times in less than 24 hours. I got in it last night twice because it felt so dang good. After the second time I was inspired to do some extra core strengthening work to top off my evening. I know some of you are wondering why a person would want to sit in 40 something degree F water, but I am telling you there are great benefits.

I think the first benefit is it tweaks your brain. Lots of things start to happen in the brain. Dopamine and adrenaline are two of them. Not only that, but it can increase metabolism and decrease inflammation. My achy ankle is not so achy today for example. I think more than anything from what I’ve experienced so far is my mood is better. I feel way more up and motivated.

The cold also gives me a chance to explore a new edge. We talk of exploring edges often in yoga practice and this is a new one. It is the mental discipline to stay in the cold water versus get me the hell out of here that is the edge. Just like anything physically difficult like holding a warrior one or two pose in yoga for an extended period of time, staying in the cold despite the brain saying GET OUT NOW yields favorable results. But I have to STAY in the cold for a minute or two while my brain is trying to figure out why I am torturing it.

I found this article useful for anyone that wants to read more: https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter/the-science-and-use-of-cold-exposure-for-health-and-performance

I want to thank Carrie Hopperstad for inspiring me to pursue cold therapy. I am really excited to see further benefits.

I’ll share more as the journey continues! Thank you for reading this far!

Create a great day!