Written by: Edward Backer
Editor’s Note: The following articles are written by counseling professionals from Counseling Services in partnership with the Southern Accent.
As a college student, you may often feel stressed out because you must continually study for homework and exams and live up to seemingly endless social expectations. Over time, it can be draining on your mental health to try to keep up with it all. But what if there was an easy and accessible way to boost your mental health from the comfort of your own dorm or the campus gym?
Well, there is! Ice baths and cold showers are an unconventional yet increasingly popular method that could hold the key to enhancing your psychological resilience. Both methods work on the principle of cold-water immersion (CWI), which has been extensively studied for its positive effects on physical and mental health. When our bodies are exposed to cold water, they undergo a series of reactions that can positively impact our mental state.
One of the most impressive benefits of CWI is its ability to reduce stress and improve our mood, according to a Plunge article. Exposure to cold water triggers the release of neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and beta-endorphins, which both have mood-boosting effects. Additionally, the shock of cold water may activate the body’s stress response, leading to a decrease in overall stress levels over time as the body adapts to the cold-water stimulus.
Regular exposure to cold water has also been linked to increased mental resilience, according to the article. Just as physical exercise strengthens our muscles, the discomfort of CWI can strengthen our mental resilience. By intentionally subjecting ourselves to a healthy yet temporary discomfort, we can build the psychological resilience necessary to cope with life’s inevitable challenges.
Taking cold showers has been proven to have a positive impact on alertness and mental clarity. Voluntarily exposing the body to cold water triggers the nervous system, resulting in a surge of adrenaline and increased focus. This is especially useful for students who need to concentrate for long periods while studying or preparing for important exams.
Additionally, for many students, stress and anxiety can lead to sleep disturbances. However, taking a cold shower before bedtime can promote better sleep by lowering the body’s core temperature, signaling the brain to wind down and prepare for rest and potentially improving the quality of your sleep.
This is because the timing of a cold shower affects your body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm, which operates on a 24-hour cycle, controls many physiological functions, including hormone secretion, sleep-wake patterns and body temperature regulation, according to an Olive and Crate article. Throughout the day, our body temperature tends to vary naturally. It reaches its highest point during the late afternoon and begins to drop during the early morning hours. This temperature shift signals to the brain that it’s time to get ready for sleep. By incorporating a cold shower into your routine, you can help your body prepare for sleep, resulting in better quality rest.
Incorporating CWI into your routine can be a simple yet powerful way to enhance your mental health. You can start by gradually reducing the water temperature during your showers or by going to the Hulsey Wellness Center and trying the ice baths. Begin with short durations and slowly increase the time as you become more accustomed to the cold.
Remember to listen to your body and stop if you experience anything beyond mild discomfort. After all, the goal is to help your body, not hurt it. If taking the plunge seems intimidating initially, the potential mental health benefits make it worth considering. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed or need a mental boost, consider adding CWI to your routine. Your mind will thank you.
