Cool Water

❄️ Why people use cold water

Alertness and focus. Many people use a cold finish to feel sharper and more switched on. When cold water hits your skin, your body releases a burst of noradrenaline and dopamine, natural chemical messengers linked with alertness, focus and mood. Studies of cold water immersion have measured big rises in both.

Cold shock proteins. When your body cools, your cells switch on a small group of helpers called cold shock proteins, which help cells respond to the cold. The two best studied are RBM3 and CIRP. They attach to RNA, the instructions your cells use to make proteins, and help regulate how cells respond to stress. Researchers are most excited about their potential to help protect brain cells, although most of this work has been done in the lab and in animals, so there is still plenty to learn about what it means for people.

Best done in the morning. Because cold water wakes you up, it's best kept to the morning or earlier in the day. A cold shower or ice bath late in the evening can leave you feeling alert just when you're trying to wind down for sleep.

Most people simply say they feel wide awake and refreshed after a morning cold finish, which is a pretty good way to start a Top End day.

Safety first: Check with your GP before starting cold showers or ice baths if you have a heart condition, high blood pressure or poor circulation, are pregnant, or have any other health concern. Stop if you feel dizzy, numb or unwell.