The Why Series: Cold Water Immersion and Anxiety

The utility of cold-water immersion continues to gain popularity as a behavioral tool with compelling evidence to reduce anxiety and improve general health and wellbeing.
Dr. Anna Lembke, an expert psychiatry and behavioral sciences MD at Stanford University, has highlighted the potential benefits of cold-water immersion in reducing anxiety. The ever-evolving body of scientific research illustrates that cold water immersion can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for promoting relaxation and calmness. Additionally, the data highlights an increased level of natural mood-boosters like endorphins and dopamine, which can help to reset the neural pathways for pleasure-pain and subsequently reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
Another study that supports these findings is a 2018 randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, which found that participants who engaged in cold water immersion for just one-minute experienced significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms compared to those who did not.
While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of cold-water immersion on anxiety, the emerging data underscores the promising potential of this practice as a non-pharmacological approach to managing anxiety.
The modern world, full of abundance, can feel overwhelming, and cause us to feel a subjective experience of not being in control. What a powerful opportunity the practice of cold-water immersion becomes in building skill to self-regulate, reset the dopamine system, and ameliorate the experience of anxiety.
How has the practice of CWI impacted your life and helped with symptoms of anxiety?
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