If you thought you were feeling cold this winter, here is a thought for you.
TAKE THE PLUNGE.
WHAT IS THE HYPE?
When I think about taking the plunge into an ice bath between 10 and 16 degrees celsius, I think that it is really going out of the comfort zone.
There has been a lot of talk about the benefits of this practice.
Is it just a trend or has it got real health benefits?
When we go out of our comfort zone it is always hard.
A great saying is:
IF YOU ARE NOT LIVING LIFE ON THE EDGE
THEN YOU ARE TAKING UP TOO MUCH SPACE.
I always think that one persons comfort zone is not the same as anothers.
We all have a different edge and a different comfort zone.
I have been doing my research for a while on this topic and I must admit that during winter in Melbourne, I already feel challenged going for a walk in the wind and the rain. I invested in a thermal top and pants because I have been feeling the cold over the past few weeks. The thought of taking a plunge in water between 10 and 16 degrees celsius is not my idea of fun.
Having said that,
I AM NOT ONE TO WALK AWAY FROM SOMETHING THAT IS GOOD FOR MY HEALTH.
So here goes.
This is what I have found out and this research has been revealed.
I HAVE FOUND EIGHT MAIN HEALTH BENEFITS. I WILL LIST THEM IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER OF WHAT I THINK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ONES FOR TAKING THE PLUNGE.
Boosts blood flow.
Reduces heart rate.
Improves cardiovascular health
Stimulates the vagus nerve which helps to regulate the nervous system and helps with stress.
Helps to decrease inflammation in the body
Helps in recovery from exercise/lactic acid that can build up in the body and cause DOMS (delayed muscle soreness)
Cold exposure activates the release of endorphins and adrenaline, this can be helpful in the treatment of depression
Helps to aid rest and helps with a restful sleep.
SOME OF THE THINGS TO BE CAREFUL OF WHEN FIRST STARTING TO TAKE THE PLUNGE.
Limit to once or twice a week
Do not exceed 15 minutes and when you first start 30 seconds is enough. Gradually increase the time. The reason for this is that if the body temperature falls below 35 degrees celsius, hyprothermia can occur. Signs of hypothermia are confusion and feeling drowsy. If you do not realise the signs and your temperature drops too low, it can cause the heart and respiratory system to fail and can be fatal.
The shock of immersing in cold temperature can affect your heart, especially if you are predisposed to a heart condition. Alway immerse in the water slowly and keep your head out of the water.
I look at anything that we are starting new, as,
Put your L plates on and take your time.
CRYOTHERAPHY - SOMETIMES KNOWN AS COLD THERAPY.
A few years ago I experienced Cryotheraphy and I found it amazing.
I had 3 sessions and would have continued but I had other priorities at the time.
In this treatment you are taken into a sealed chamber. The temperature is between -120 and -140 degrees celsius.
You step into a chamber and your head stays out and you have socks and gloves on. You feel like you are on a rotisserie. You slowly rotate for 3 minutes. When it stops you step out and you feel amazing. As your body starts to warm up, you feel yourself warming from the feet up and your body gradually increases in temperature. I felt very invigorated each time I had this treatment.
I would definately recommend giving it a go.
THE BRIGHTON ICEBERGERS.
Taking the plunge is not a new thing. I was reading a story in the paper last week about the Icebergers from Brighton. The group have been plunging all year round in the bay for over 10 years. Sometimes there are 70 people down at the bay taking the plunge at 5am. They report that they feel invigorated for the whole day after their plunge and swim.
When I read this story I see so many other benefits for this group.
I see the social aspect. The comradship that builds confidence and accountability as a group.
The social stimulus. Laughing, talking and generally having fun together is so fantastic for your health and wellbeing.
Another little story that I want to share when I was on my walk a few days ago.
I had to laugh to myself.
I was walking along the esplanade from Port Melbourne past the St. Kilda sea baths. The sea baths are right on the esplanade at the St. Kilda beach foreshore.
It was seriously about 5 or 6 degrees celsius and I had my thermals, beanie and jacket on for my walk.
As I am walking past the baths I hear squealing and shouting coming from the front of the sea baths. I look and there are 3 young teenage boys running full pace from the door of the sea baths to the water.
I thought how great it was that the young ones are getting involved with this "plunge practise."
I thought probably their footy coach may have said it would be great for recovery for them after the game. I am not sure what their motivation was. I thought that they had probably been the the spa or sauna getting nice and warm and so the cold would have hit them as soon as they ran outside.
Apart from the obvious benefits for these boys to their recovery from any of the sports that they do, I thought there were so many other benefits that they would not even be aware of.
I thought of these, and I am sure there are many more.
Increase in heart rate, especially on the run down to the water.
the release of the adrenalins (fight or flight)
The confidence, competitive spirit and courage of being with their peers.
Just having fun, laughing, squealing, yelling, talking and in general having a great time together.
Would any of them do it on their own?
Probably not.
Supporting and encouraging each other is the key to any age to get motivated.
Over all, I think go for it. I think I will wait until Spring.
If you are a beginner, just start off slowly is what I have got from all the research. 30 seconds to 5 minutes maximum when you first start.
If you have any health concerns please talk to your doctor or practitioner first.
FACE THE FEAR.
EVEN IF IT IS ONLY A TIPTOE OUTSIDE
OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE INSTEAD OF A LEAP.
PROGRESS IS PROGRESS.
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