Regular cold exposure results in a beneficial amount of stress in the body, which leads to a process called hardening. Hardening is a natural process that trains your nervous system to handle a larger spectrum of both physical and mental stress over time. In other words, you’re proactively training your body to adapt and effectively handle stress – explore the science behind keeping a cool head, the next time you find yourself in a stressful situation.

Cold immersion awakens your body. The cold also encorages deep breathing, which decreases the level of CO2 throughout the body, encouraging enhanced concentration.

Scientific studies have found that cold immersion increases the number of white blood cells in your body. These blood cells protect your body against diseases and illness. Researchers believe that this process is related to an increased metabolic rate, which stimulates the immune response.

Fortifying the body fortifies the mind. Pushing new boundaries and taking the cold immersion challenge will lead to a strengthening of your willpower.

Cold immersion (and exposure to cold in general), stimulates your metabolism. In addition to increasing the metabolic rate directly, cold stimulates the generation of brown fat. Brown fat is your body’s natural furnace and insulates your organs. This specific type of fat tissue that generates the energy to keep your organs warm by burning calories. Cold showers and cold water dips subsequently are an effective tool for people who are looking to lose weight in a naturally and safely.

Although researchers are debating the details, studies indicate that athletes who soak in cold water for short periods after exercise have less muscle soreness later on.

According to medical experts, the reason cold water helps with pain is that it causes your blood vessels to constrict. This reduces blood flow to the area — for example, an injury you’re applying ice to — which helps reduce swelling and inflammation.

If you’re using cold water to help with muscle recovery, you may want to combine it with strategies like stretching or active recovery.

Cold water is not a cure for any mental health condition. But certain case studies suggest that cold open water swimming has helped alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in some people.