❄️ How Cold Exposure helps us build an Adaptable Nervous System

Safe & deliberate cold water exposure creates an opportunity to give our nervous system cues of safety amidst challenge and adversity.

Photo by Lidia Usoltseva

Introduction

In today’s digitally hyperstimulated world, it can seem like the smallest thing can push us into overthinking, frustration, anxiety, or even shutdown. The more time we spend in these depleting emotional states, the less energy and capacity we have to show up at our very best. But what can we do to take back control and ownership over this relationship with our neurophysiology (brain, heart and nervous system)?

For all of it’s touted benefits and popularity, I believe safe and deliberate cold exposure (cold plunging) offers a powerful, accessible tool.

Grounded in the science of Polyvagal Theory, cold plunging done right helps us expand the window of perceived safety in our brain and body amidst a stressful environment. It trains our system to respond to adversity with connection, resilience, and a moment of pause rather than suboptimal reactivity.

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