Taking care of both our bodies and minds is essential for our overall health, which is why many are turning to cold plunges. These are short ice baths that ease various symptoms, and if done regularly, can significantly improve our lives.
You can always jump in one whenever you feel like it. But if you want to get optimal results, you'll need to time your cold plunges correctly.
Before you experience an ice bath, you should know when the best time to cold plunge is. In this article, we'll explore what works best for you.
The Best Time to Cold Plunge
The best time to have an ice bath will depend on what goals you're trying to achieve. For example, some people may use cold plunges to relieve chronic pain, while others may use them to improve their mental health.
Let's take a look at a few common reasons why people use ice baths and when the ideal times to have them are.
Chronic Pain
Over 20% of American adults experience chronic pain, which means a large portion of the population has a lower quality of life due to constant pain. There are medications that can alleviate symptoms, but if you prefer something less damaging to your health, then cold plunges are ideal.
Those with inflammatory conditions may see the worst symptoms right after waking up. This means that taking an ice bath first thing in the morning can be beneficial since you'll fight inflammation immediately.
Otherwise, you should take a cold plunge whenever your symptoms seem to be flaring up. Being proactive can lessen the intensity of your pain and enable you to live a more fulfilling life.
Workouts
After working out, your muscles may feel sore; this is called delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and is completely normal. This is usually due to overworking yourself, which can lead to a build-up of lactic acid, microtears, inflammation, and nerve compression.
To avoid putting yourself out of commission, you should get adequate rest and recovery before working out again. And ice baths can help speed up the process.
To reap the most benefits from cold plunges, you should get in one ASAP after your workout if you're looking to relieve sore muscles. If you wait for longer than 30 minutes to two hours, you'll get diminishing results.
Understandably, you may not have the energy to set up a cold plunge after your workouts, so do it beforehand. Ice baths after a workout have actually shown to slow muscle growth in some recent studies. So if you're focused on gaining weight and muscle, take ice baths AFTER your workout.
Mental Health
Studies show that being immersed in cold water can improve your mood. So theoretically speaking, the ideal time for a cold plunge in regards to mental health is whenever you feel you need a boost.
However, taking a cold plunge in the morning can be advantageous. Many of us find it tough to get going after waking up, so starting the day on the right note with a refreshing cold plunge can be just what you need.
Outside of mornings, you can take ice baths whenever you feel stressed or anxious. The sudden shock of cold water can "reset" your body, enabling you to relax better.
Do note that cold plunges shouldn't be used as a sole method of coping with mental health issues. Instead, they should be used in conjunction with professional treatment.
Cold Plunge: Morning or Night?
The above sections cover specific situations in which you'd take an ice bath. But what if you're using them regularly as part of your daily routine? What's the best time of day to cold plunge then?
Generally speaking, taking an ice bath in the morning is excellent. That jolt of energy you get after plunging is akin to taking a shot of espresso; it'll definitely wake you up and give you that pep in your step to continue your day.
If you can do it, an afternoon cold plunge is good too. You can fight that after-lunch drowsiness by jumping into an ice bath during a quick break. This should wake you up enough to finish out the rest of the day.
For most people, a cold plunge at night won't be productive since they'll have the opposite desired effect. You're going to bed soon, and stimulating your body can make it tougher to drift off. Hot water is better, as studies have shown that it improves your quality of sleep.
Cold Plunge: Before or After Eating?
In general, you should eat after you've taken a cold plunge. The ice bath will be a shock to the system, and if you've eaten something, it can make you feel uncomfortable. It can also potentially affect digestion.
However, if you haven't eaten anything all day and/or you're feeling weak and lightheaded, it's best to get food in your body. Just make sure you don't eat too much, or it won't feel nice.
Ideally, you should eat after you've finished your cold plunge. Aim for foods rich in protein, iron, and healthy fats. These can help replenish your energy levels and aid in muscle recovery.
Or if you're not feeling like eating solid foods, you can have a bowl of soup. Otherwise, a cup of hot tea or coffee can speed up the warming process too. Also, don't forget to combine these things with some thick clothing to get your body temperature up.
Pick the Best Time for You
When it comes to the best time to cold plunge, you'll have to weigh up several factors to come up with the right answer. Not only can it differ between people, but it can also change depending on your personal circumstances and goals.
Whatever time you choose, make sure to take it slow and combine it with breathwork. This can help you adjust to the icy water and make it a more pleasant time.
If you're ready to experience an ice bath, then book a session in sunny Playa Del Carmen now. We also have breathwork courses that certify you to teach others the technique, which is a perfect pair with icy plunges.
Comments