As the new year began, I made the decision to take on a new challenge: cold water therapy. I had heard about the benefits of cold water immersion for both physical and mental health and was curious to see how it would affect me. Little did I know, this decision would change my life in more ways than I ever imagined.
Photo: Clough Head Quarry - 19th December 2022
One of the main reasons I started cold water therapy was for the mental wellbeing improvements it promised. After just a few weeks of regular immersion, I noticed a significant difference in my mood and overall sense of well-being. I felt more energized and less anxious, and my ability to handle stress improved greatly.
The sense of satisfaction from overcoming something difficult was another major motivator for me. At first, the thought of jumping into freezing cold water was terrifying. But as I pushed myself to do it, I realized that facing my fear and coming out victorious on the other side was incredibly empowering.
Over the past year, I have also noticed that the benefits of cold water therapy have translated to my everyday life. I am more confident, resilient, and focused, and I have even noticed improvements in my sleep and digestion.
Perhaps one of the most unexpected benefits of cold water therapy has been the social aspect. I joined a local cold water swimming group, and through this, I have made friends with some incredible, like-minded individuals. We support each other in our cold water endeavors and have formed a tight-knit community.
Overall, I am incredibly grateful for the decision I made to start cold water therapy in January 2022. The benefits I have experienced have far exceeded my expectations and have positively impacted every aspect of my life. If you're considering taking the plunge, I highly recommend it.
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