07/28/2021
On New Years Day 2021 Val and I proceeded with a tradition that we both love - a polar bear plunge off our bulkhead into Puget Sound. Somehow, this year felt different. We had just been through 9 months of a pandemic, there was still a whole lot of uncertainty out there. For me, uncertainty of this magnitude was leading to several health issues that I was struggling to deal with like stress, anxiety and the onset of panic attacks. I was literally forgetting to breathe.
On January 25th (which is Valerie's and my 1st date anniversary) she gave me Wim Hof's book. I dug in. At the end of February we visited a friend in Palm Springs. Their unused pool was 64 degrees and that is where I started my acclimation to the coldwater. 3 minutes, then 4, 5 and by the end of the week I was soaking for 7 minutes and immediately noticing changes in my body and mind.
💦On February 28th I did my first plunge in Puget Sound - the water temp was 49 degrees. 1st time in 25 seconds and I was hooked!
The first thing that I noticed was that my mindset was changing - I was becoming more comfortable with being uncomfortable. Coldwater submersion ACTIVATES THE NERVOUS SYSTEM which activates the immune, cardiovascular and endocrine systems leading to improved hormone production, sleep, metabolism, circulation and lower stress & anxiety.
As I quickly progressed to 3 and 5 minute sessions my skin felt better, my mind was sharper & my energy levels were significantly improving.
Other benefits include muscular recovery after hard workouts and reduction of inflammation.
Finally coldwater submersion fosters a deep connection to the body and nature. Perhaps that is the greatest benefit.
Just breathe Man!
👉https://youtu.be/CI34HjqZ4i0
