POSSIBLE BENEFITS

We’re living through a moment when people are searching for rejuvenation and invigoration. Cold exposure is everywhere, and people are curious, about the impact, the practice, and how to begin. But they’re also intimidated. The water is cold, nerve-wracking, and uncomfortable.

It’s not about “biohacking.” It’s about honoring your body, opening your heart and mind to new adventures, and having a damn good time. Whether you’re a mermaid, a misfit, a first-timer, or someone finding your way back to the water, Cold Joy is your sparkly, sincere invitation to dive in. 

Come on in, the water’s fine (and not as cold as it looks).

possible benefits of cold water

  • Healthy brown fat, which is stored around the spine and acts as the body’s thermostat. Brown fat also boosts metabolism and may possibly help with blood sugar control.

  • Research shows that submerging your body in cold water increases dopamine concentrations by 250 percent. Dopamine is known as the “feel-good” hormone because of the key role it plays in regulating mood (Cleveland Clinic)

  • Cold exposure triggers the release of hormones like adrenaline, epinephrine, and noradrenaline (also known as norepinephrine). In fact, cold-water immersion led noradrenaline concentrations to increase by 530 percent.

  • Regularly challenging yourself to withstand cold temperatures may help you build resilience, or the ability to handle other stressful situations when they arise.

  • Cold water dippers typically describe feeling “joyful” in the water, suggesting the practice has “a positive effect on mental health and brain development.”

Some members said part of the healing effects they feel are down to their voluntary vulnerability.

“It is a freedom,” said Patricia. “It's the same freedom that children have, they've got no inhibitions, nobody cares what they look like when they're that young, they just get in there. That's what we do too, we don't care what we look like, there's no competition, it's just about having fun.”

— “Women cold water swimming in Gower to help menopause,” BBC