Why I’m a Big Fan of Plunging into the Cold
There’s something about the icy embrace of cold water that brings me into the present and resets everything. Effectively, when I'm getting into the water, whether it’s dipping into a crisp mountain tarn; slicing through river currents or joining mates to cut through the ice for a swim, cold water has a way of waking me up to life. It’s a ritual I keep returning to - and despite the fact that some think it's barmy, there's plenty of reasons to keep getting in.
Three years ago, when I first started getting cold-water swimming, I noticed a profound shift in how I felt. It wasn’t just the tingling in my skin after emerging or the laughs shared with friends - it was something deeper.
The Nervous System Reset
Science backs this up. Immersing yourself in cold water activates the vagus nerve, a key player in our parasympathetic nervous system, which helps us shift out of fight-or-flight mode. Cold water can act like a reset button, calming the body while sharpening the mind. Effectively you are forced to focus on the present. As I mentioned in the interview on Border News, when you go into the water you activate a cold shock response, but by focusing on slowing your breathing and bringing its back under control, you’re telling your nervous system that you can cope in difficult situations. Research also shows that cold immersion increases dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter, by up to 250%. It’s no wonder I feel a rush of clarity and contentment post-swim.
Reconnecting with Nature
For me, these swims aren’t just about the water - they’re about the places it takes me. Being out in nature, whether it’s a misty lake at dawn, a mountain stream or a tree-lined riverside, feels grounding. Nature has a way of putting everything in perspective. As I mention in my other blogs about nature and blue spaces studies show that time spent outdoors reduces stress, boosts creativity, and fosters feelings of connection. When I’m out in nature, I feel more in tune with myself and the world around me.
Physical and Mental Resilience
I’ve got to be honest - cold-water swimming is a challenge and sometimes I am reluctant to step in. But that’s where the magic happens. Physically, cold water improves circulation, bolsters immunity, and reduces inflammation. It’s also a brilliant way to strengthen mental resilience. There’s a moment of hesitation every time I step into the cold, but leaning into that discomfort has taught me to embrace life’s challenges with a little more grit.
The Power of the cold water Community
One of the best parts of my cold-water adventures is being part of a tribe. The Blue Mind Men Cold Water Swimming Community has been a source of camaraderie and shared purpose. There’s a special bond that forms when you’re shivering on the lakeshore with a group of like-minded people - and some shiver more violently than others! We are there to support each other, swap stories, and remind one another why we keep coming back to the cold.
The Adventure Factor
I’ll admit, there is also a thrill to it. Away from the lake, I've ventured up to high tarns to cut ice-holes with mates, found new spots in rivers and sought out hidden waterfalls. Cold-water swimming adds a sense of adventure to my life. It’s about more than just the swim - it’s about the journey and the shared memories along the way. In a couple of weeks I am heading off into the Lakeland Fells with three mates with whom I got into ice-baths on a Men’s Retreat with Zero. We’ll definitely be getting into a waterfall or two, and with any luck we might find a frozen tarn suitable for cutting an ice-hole!
If you’ve never tried it, I get it - it can seem really daunting. But if you’re curious, start small. Join a Cold Water Swim Group - there are plenty around. Alternatively, head out with someone who knows what they’re doing: Find a safe spot, ease yourself in, and see how it feels. Who knows? You might just find yourself getting hooked... and if that sound's like too much, you could always start with a Cold Shower!
What are your thoughts? Are you a cold water fan? Do you do cold showers? Do you agree with my wife that it's all barmy? I'd love to hear your comments.
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