The Cold Reset
Brrrrr...while it may not be the most inviting suggestion, it is an age-old method that has withstood the test of time. People all over the world practice it in nature and Nordic spas, and we can easily incorporate it into our daily routine at home, either in the shower or at the sink.
Subjecting our bodies to acute cold conditions, such as taking a cold shower or splashing cold water on our face, provides heightened stimulation to the vagus nerve, which is part of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Sympathetic activity, characterized by heightened energy, serves us well during exercise or survival situations. However, it can be counterproductive when we seek calmness and safety. On the other hand, parasympathetic activity, facilitated by the vagus nerve, offers us a state of healing, growth, repair, calmness, and connection.
As our bodies adapt to the cold, sympathetic activity decreases while parasympathetic activity increases. This makes it an excellent practice to prepare for sleep, making it an ideal time to incorporate this routine just before bed.
Another benefit of this practice is the increased blood and lymphatic circulation. After a day of limited movement or during a night’s sleep when lying down, this practice can assist your heart in promoting circulation.
Why not give it a try? Although it may be challenging at first, you can gradually increase the duration by just one second each day. Many individuals, myself included, have come to embrace and appreciate this practice!
To begin, start with your regular warm or hot shower. Focus on deep belly breathing.
Then, progressively move towards experiencing a level of cold that momentarily takes your breath away. That is the sweet spot you’re aiming for.
Even just 10-20 seconds of exposure can be effective, but the longer you can tolerate it, the better.
Feel free to repeat this process for several rounds.
Finally, conclude your shower with a burst of cold water.
You may notice that as you towel off, you actually feel warm. What other sensations or changes do you observe?
With daily practice, you will strengthen the resilience of your nervous system. It will widen your window of tolerance and enhance your vagal brake, leading to increased overall well-being.
