Boost wellbeing – Cold water therapy.

If you google cold water therapy, some sites would describe it as immersing in water under 15c. For me, 15c is not cold enough and would need to be colder. So for this article, we at Man5hit, are going to say Anything under 11c is what you’re looking for. Whatever way you choose to get into the cold water; sea, lake, bath etc – if done consistently you’ll not regret the journey and grow to love it! 

Just before you say nah, I hate feeling cold and it sounds too much for me, let’s get one thing straight: we’re not talking about subjecting yourself to extreme conditions without a plan. We’re talking about controlled exposure to cold temperatures, inspired by none other than the legendary Iceman himself, Wim Hof.

If you haven’t heard of Wim Hof, let me fill you in. This guy is a proper legend, known for his incredible ability to withstand freezing temperatures through a combination of breathing techniques and mental focus. He’s climbed Mount Everest in just shorts, submerged himself in ice baths for hours, and ran a half marathon above the Arctic Circle barefoot! Yes thats right, barefoot!!! 

“Cold water is merciless, but righteous. We are built to be happy, strong and healthy.” Wim Hoff

So, what can we learn from the Iceman himself? Well, aside from being an inspiration, Wim Hof has shown us that our bodies are capable of far more than we realise. By exposing ourselves to controlled cold stress, we can tap into a series of health benefits that go way beyond just toughening up.

One of the most exciting benefits of cold exposure is its ability to “supercharge” our immune system. Studies have shown that regular cold exposure can increase levels of immune-boosting white blood cells, making us more resilient to infections and illnesses. Plus, it can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to a whole host of chronic diseases.

Impressive right? Well there’s more; cold exposure has also been shown to improve;

• Circulation.
• Increase metabolism.
• Boost mood and mental clarity. 

It’s like a serious injection of Endorphins and Serotonin, big high but no comedown! 

Now, you might still might be thinking, hold on Rich, isn’t cold exposure uncomfortable? Well, sure, at first it might feel a bit shocking to plunge into an ice bath or take a brisk winter swim. But remember, discomfort is just a temporary sensation – and the rewards far outweigh the initial chill. Plus, In meditation terms, the shock of the cold will keep you focussed on the present moment, nothing else matters! 

There are plenty of ways to ease into cold exposure gradually. Start by taking shorter cold showers or going for a brisk walk outside on a chilly day. As you build up your tolerance, you can gradually increase the intensity and duration of your cold exposure sessions.

And don’t forget about the power of mindset. Just like Wim Hof, cultivating a strong mental attitude can help you push through discomfort and achieve feats you never thought possible. So, embrace the cold, focus on your breath, and channel your inner Iceman – you might just surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.

Cold exposure is has become really popular around the world and for good reasons– it’s a powerful tool for optimising your health and vitality. Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, increase your energy levels, or simply challenge yourself to new heights, embracing the cold can help you unlock your full potential. So, what are you waiting for? Get into the water for a happier, healthier you!

Top tip 💡

If choosing to practice cold water therapy in open water we would recommend researching safe/clean water; Surfers against sewage is a good resource for this!