Cold Plunges Could Change Your Life

Zoë: Hi Corey! I so am happy to learn more about your cold plunge ritual and how it inspired you to live a healthier, more mindful life! But first, tell us a little bit about yourself, what you do for work and where you live!

Corey: My name is Corey, and I'm from Park City, Utah. I graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor's degree in Film Studies. Shortly after, I moved to Los Angeles and specialized in visual effects for a number of different tv shows, including "Game of Thrones" and "Dexter," before starting my own business.

I was also passionate about the human body, so I studied Exercise Sports Science and Physiology at the University for two years before becoming a CF-L2 Crossfit Instructor. I was intrigued by the method of "general physical preparedness". This is the idea that we train our bodies for anything and everything that could be presented in life at any age. The goal was to be athletically balanced and well rounded… for life.

Zoë: That's amazing! It sounds like you have a passion for health and a great understanding of the human body, and your curiosity about "general physical preparedness" must have led you to learn quite a lot about a more holistic approach to health and wellness. What else has inspired you?

Corey: It wasn't until I read the "The Wim Hof Method" that I really gained a better understanding of the power of breath and how combined with cold therapy, we can master our body and mind and even regulate pain like a switch. Society has slowly lost the primal stimulation of survival and struggle. Americans specifically have lost this to Postmates, Netflix, Uber, and air conditioning. We eat processed foods, and move our bodies less than ever before.

Zoë: It's true that modern technology and convenience have removed us from our primal instincts. In a society where processed foods are a go-to and physical activity is often replaced by screens, it's important to remember that we still need these primitive forms of stimulation in order to stay healthy. Our bodies were designed to survive and thrive in challenging conditions, so it's essential to push ourselves outside our comfort zone on occasion, whether that's with cold exposure or taking part in rigorous physical activity… hence why cold plunges have become so popular! What are some of the benefits you've found from cold plunging?

Corey: Yeah exactly. When you enter cold water, you're not thinking about your mortgage, your kids, your work, or your problems. You're thinking about surviving… and how to control your emotions and thoughts to gain control of your autonomic nervous system. This has a profound effect on our physical and mental health. Some other benefits of cold water therapy include:

• reduced stress level
• greater cold tolerance
• enhanced creativity
• stronger immune system
• increased energy
• better sleep
• weighted focus
• improved sports performance
• increased willpower
• lower inflammation
• balanced hormone levels and production of endorphins.
• better skin and follicle health

Zoë: Wow! The benefits of cold plunging are endless. How many times did you cold plunge before getting one for your house?

Corey: After my first cold plunge, I knew I would never live without it. I bought a cold plunge a day later and built a mini wellness area at our house. We have friends over weekly to share in the experience.

Zoë: Haha, spa party, anybody?! I love that. What temperature do you usually set your cold plunge at, and how long do you soak for?

Corey: Recently, I've set a goal to plunge at 39 degrees for at least 5 minutes every day, for one month straight, followed by heating naturally post-plunge.

Zoë: Are there any tips you can offer to anyone just getting started that will make their transition easier and more effective?

Corey: When starting out in the cold plunge, it's important to make the process scalable. The two factors of scalability are:

• temperature of the water.
• time in the water.

Most people start out way too cold and try to stay in way too long. As a result, they lose focus on their breath and they get anxious and jump out, and have a negative experience. The goal is to gain control of yourself through the mind/body connection and to build self-confidence in your abilities in a way that is scalable so that a person can progress incrementally. This model applies to everything we aim to achieve in life.

Zoë: Ah, that's such a great reminder. "Start slow and build your way up gradually," not just for cold plunging but for everything in life. Through this process, we gain mastery over ourselves and enhance our ability to believe in ourselves – allowing us to take on bigger challenges throughout life with greater confidence than ever before. Thanks so much for coming onto the Good Stuff and sharing your insights, Corey!