Cold soaks are a great way to recover from muscle injuries—they prevent cramps and invigorate the mind and body. Cold soaking is an affordable way to enjoy a natural, drug-free therapy for your wellbeing. The good news is you don’t have to appreciate cold therapy by yourself. Taking a polar plunge is popular in groups. 

What Is It About Cold Soaks And Swims That Bring People Together?

The cold bath is a fantastic way to renew and improve your mind and body holistically. Just ask weekend warriors and hardcore athletes; cold therapy works and is even more fun with others. That’s why hydrotherapy in the form of cold swims not only gives you and your mates a bonding experience but it helps everyone involved get a new lease on wellness. 

Why opt for winter swimming? Coldwater swimming, or winter swimming, is a form of hydrotherapy experience where you can swim in cold waters for therapeutic and wellness purposes. As the name suggests, the swim takes place in ice-cold water.

However, polar plunges don’t only have to take place in the dead of winter. It’s possible to swim out in a cold lake or the sea with others at any time of year. Together, once you’ve gotten past the first teeth chattering stages, the rest of the experience should be empowering. 

The thing about a communal polar plunge is that you’re not alone when you dive into the frigid waters. Instead, you’re with other folks all in it with the same purpose and mindset. Braving the icy waters for first-timers can be an experience of a lifetime. 

What Are the Psychological Effects of Shared Experiences?

Everyone does cold water immersion for different reasons, but what stands out the most is how positively it works on mental health and physical wellbeing. People in Nordic countries have swum the icy waters for many years, and it’s only recently that cold swimming has become world-renowned for its benefits.  

Cold swimming is encouraged in groups to maintain safety, as it is with most cold therapy methods. Swimming in ice-cold water releases endorphins that make us happy. But, it’s not only mental wellness that is positively affected. Many people choose cold water immersion therapy as part of their healing and recovery process. Enjoying the cold experience with others reduces the feeling of isolation and improves self-esteem while minimizing anxiety. 

Experts suggest starting with short sessions to allow your body to adjust to the cold.

Emotional and Physical Outcomes

Emotions can impact health, performance, and overall well-being.

In a study that included over 200 people aged 19 – 88 years, sea bathing effectively lowered stress. Lowered stress levels and better wellbeing were the overall experiences even for the elderly participants.  

The effects after cold water immersion based on athlete’s experience included that some become accustomed to the ice-cold feeling after five minutes. While others admitted not feeling comfortable, they also experienced not feeling the “pain” from the cold and that their muscles started relaxing. 

The pain diminished and became bearable to the athletes due to the cold exposure. In essence, the cold combined with its positive effects on the body made it possible for the athletes to push on. Either way, cold water immersion can positively affect wellness, whether exposed to cold water via an ice swim or an ice bath. 

How To Incorporate Cold Therapy Into Your Social Space

Since a polar plunge is about people coming together, what better way to do this than enjoy the experience with your friends and other sports enthusiasts? 

More and more people have already adapted to the wonders of cold water therapy, and this makes sense given all the therapeutic health advantages. Why not make it a ritual with like-minded folks? 

Preparing for the cold session is imperative. Taking an ice bath with some mates is a good way to experience cold therapy.

Give Your Friends A Cold Plunging Event Heads Up

As part of the planning process, you want to get the word out to those looking to join you in the cold exposure experience. 

Plan Your Event

Will you have a cold swim, an ice bath session, or a whole body cryotherapy experience?  If you’re going to do an ice bath together, you could each take turns using the Ice Barrel. The water temperature will change, and when this happens, you can add more ice to bring the temperature down for the next person. 

Whichever way you choose to go, make sure the planning is underway. Some folks may want to prepare their body and mind for the cold experience. 

Put Safety First

As a rule of thumb, never forget that cold water can be dangerous if exposed for an extended time. Cold bath sessions should not exceed 10-15 minutes. Ice baths at 10-15°C or colder for longer than this could lead to hypothermia. It could also lead to something called “cold shock,” in which the body activates the cardiorespiratory reflexes. Cardiorespiratory reflexes activate in response to the sudden temperature drop felt on the skin.

Make Cold Treatment Part Of Your Reality

You can enjoy the benefits of cold water therapy through the use of an Ice Barrel. It is low maintenance, aesthetically appealing, and doesn’t take up much space; hence great for apartment living. Get everyone involved and enjoy the cold experience together.