What six years of experimenting with cold water taught me about stress, dopamine, and recovery - and the lessons I wish someone told me before I started.
Your obsession with the cold plunge makes complete sense when you look at what’s actually happening beneath the surface. As a trauma therapist, I work a lot with somatic practices, and cold water does absolutely amazing things for the nervous system when it’s used in the right way.
When we enter that freezing water intentionally, we are essentially giving our nervous system a controlled dose of stress. If we can breathe through it and stay regulated, we are training our brains and bodies to expand their window of tolerance. It’s a beautiful, physical reminder that we can sit with intense discomfort, ride the wave, and come out regulated on the other side.
Thank you for sharing your experience with it—it’s such a powerful tool for building somatic resilience!
Hey Keli, it’s great to connect with a fellow trauma therapist. I think finding your window of tolerance for growth is so important. Too little challenge and nothing changes. Too much, and we’re creating a burnout. It’s interesting you mention this as that’s exactly what I’m exploring in my next article!
Apparently pain and pleasure rely on the same neurological pathway. So nervous excitement makes a lot of sense! What’s your experience with cold water (or other painfully exciting activities?)
Your obsession with the cold plunge makes complete sense when you look at what’s actually happening beneath the surface. As a trauma therapist, I work a lot with somatic practices, and cold water does absolutely amazing things for the nervous system when it’s used in the right way.
When we enter that freezing water intentionally, we are essentially giving our nervous system a controlled dose of stress. If we can breathe through it and stay regulated, we are training our brains and bodies to expand their window of tolerance. It’s a beautiful, physical reminder that we can sit with intense discomfort, ride the wave, and come out regulated on the other side.
Thank you for sharing your experience with it—it’s such a powerful tool for building somatic resilience!
Hey Keli, it’s great to connect with a fellow trauma therapist. I think finding your window of tolerance for growth is so important. Too little challenge and nothing changes. Too much, and we’re creating a burnout. It’s interesting you mention this as that’s exactly what I’m exploring in my next article!
I can't wait to check it out!!!
Here it goes! 😊
https://www.kubagrzegrzolka.com/p/stress-is-good-for-you-kind-of
I can totally relate to the nervous excitement you felt before your first cold bath. It’s a brave step, but it sounds like it was worth it.
Apparently pain and pleasure rely on the same neurological pathway. So nervous excitement makes a lot of sense! What’s your experience with cold water (or other painfully exciting activities?)