As cold plunges continue to trend on Instagram and TikTok, you might be wondering why anyone would want to put themselves through that. However, as we dove deeper into the trend, we found that cold plunges have surprising physical and mental health benefits. Here are two crucial ways in which they can improve your mental health and workout recovery.
Muscle Recovery
Cold plunges may sound daunting, but they are essential in aiding muscle recovery as they reduce inflammation, prevent injuries, and have the power to boost immunity. Try a cold plunge after your next long run or a High Interval Training (HIIT) workout and reap the benefits. If you can withstand it, try to stay in for at least 3-5 minutes to get the full treatment.
Mental Health
In addition to peak fitness results, cold plunges have been proven to boost mental health by increasing levels of dopamine and endorphins which can contribute to feelings of happiness and hyper focus! Cold plunges can also improve overall mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep! TikTok users have stated that these plunges have also improved their mental toughness, gearing them for their next tough workout. If you do not have access to a bath, try a cold shower instead!
