FeelingGoodWithSofy

Hey everyone! 🙂 in this blog post I write about winter bathing, its benefits, some recommendations and tips before and after taking a cold bath and my personal expertience! 🙂💙❄️

Winter bathing

The practice of winter bathing has deep historical roots, with ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans, recognizing the therapeutic benefits of cold-water immersion.

Nowadays, winter bathing has become a cherished tradition in countries like Finland and Sweden. Beyond its physical benefits, these cultures value this practice for its mental and social wellbeing.

The health benefits of a winter bath

Winter (ice) bathing has been proved to have several potential benefits for one’s overall health.

• Improved circulation: cold-water immersion can stimulate blood flow, by constricting blood vessels and then dilating them as you warm up! This can improve cardiovascular health.

• Improved mental-health: research indicates that taking a cold bath may help you restoring balance with your nervous system and improving your cognitive function and mood. The cold water can trigger the release of endorphins, enhancing one’s mood.

• Mental resilience: this practice strengthnes your mind-body connection, enhancing your mental resilience and discipline, while alleviating stress and anxiety.

• Boosted immune system: some studies suggest that taking cold baths may stimulate the production of white blood cells, which can help and improve your immune system’s ability to defend from illnesses.

• Increased alertness: the cold could have an invigorating effect on a person, improving focus and alertness.

• Pain relief: cold water can also have a positive effect on recovery, it can help reducing inflammation in the body, which may be beneficial for conditions like muscle soreness and arthritis.

Safety tips, before and after a bath!

Taking a winter, ice, bath could be a challenge 🙂 but with the right tips, recommendations, it can be really enjoyable, refreshing, and good for one’s mind, body and soul! 😊

First of all, change into your bathing suit before going outdoors. If you have any kind of warm cap, then neoprene socks and gloves, wear them! If youhave the possibility to go in a sauna before, I would recommed it!

Step into the water mindfully, don’t panic and breathe calmly. Remember that the body continues to cool down even if you’ve been in the water for a few seconds. Try to stay in the water for at least 30 seconds!

Do not immerse the head in the water, if you are not an expert!

It’s better to keep your hands out of the water!

Moreover, for your safety, do not dive in the cold water.

A new, refreshing, beautiful experience! 🙂

It’s been a while since I wanted to try taking a winter bath in Sweden, and the opportunity finally came at the end of last year and at the beginning of this year! 🙂

I am someone who battles depression, anxiety on a daily basis and I’ve heard, and read about the benefits of winter bathing.

The first time ever 🙂

Last Christmas Eve, in the late morning, I was not feeling so well because my mood was low and I felt restless, so I took the commitment to take a cold bath in the sea, nearby Stockholm, and I am really glad I did it and I do not regret at all, this decision of mine!

I focused on being mindful, breathing consciously while stepping into the cold water. Once I was in, I continued breathing, my mom asked me basic questions, to be sure I was not going to panic.

I stayed in the water for one minute!

When I stepped out of the water, I felt pretty warm and I was smiling. Then, because there was no sauna or a place nearby to warm up, I immediately put warm clothes on and made sure to have especially my feet and hands warm!

The second time (First of January, 2025)

To start the year right 🙂 I winter bathed again! This time the ground was covered with snow❄️😍, as you can see from the photos!

This time I was more prepared, there were three degrees in the water and I remained mindfully there, for about two minutes! I didn’t feel so much the cold and I really focused on the moment!

I felt happy before I stepped into the cold water, while I was in the lake and also afterwards! 🙂

Also this time, I had no sauna, so I warmed up myself, besides from warm garments, with a hot cup of tea!

These two times have been truly wonderful, mindful experiences! 🙂 I look forward to do it again! 😊

Winter bathing is really a unique experience and it is something I would really recommend you to try, especially if you are open to new experiences 🙂 !

Post not sponsored