Author: Mominah Ambreen

You must have heard everyone hyping up this latest resurfacing trend, which is believed to be an age-old practice. Whether its icy plunges in mountain lakes, cold showers in the morning, or even Instagram stories of people dunking themselves in tubs of freezing water, this trend has taken off. But the question is– is it really worth all the hype? Can a few minutes of freezing water really give us the mental reset, as so many claim, or is it just another wellness fad?

What exactly is cold water therapy?

It is pretty much what it sounds like—exposing your body to cold water for a short period of time to improve your mental well-being. People practice it differently– some take cold showers in the morning, others submerge in cold lakes, and some even invest in ice baths or cryotherapy sessions. 

Advocates of cold water therapy often claim it boosts mental clarity, increases energy levels, reduces stress, and even improves mood. It sounds almost too good to be true, right? Just standing in cold water for a few minutes can deliver all these benefits. But is there any science behind it?

The science behind cold water therapy

So, what’s happening in the body that makes cold water therapy so impactful? Turns out, a lot is going on under the surface, literally. Cold water immersion (CWI) influences brain function, mood, and stress response, powerfully tapping into the body’s natural systems.

When you step into cold water, your body’s sudden temperature rise immediately sends signals to the brain. This sets off a chain reaction of neural and chemical responses that help your body manage the sudden stress of cold exposure.

One of the first things that happens is a release of endorphins—your body’s natural pain relievers. These endorphins numb the discomfort and give you a mood boost. This boost is similar to the “runner’s high” athletes experience after intense exercise. 

According to the Stanford Lifestyle Medicine research studies, while endorphin release may taper off as your body adapts to regular cold exposure, noradrenaline continues to be released consistently with each session. This means it could become a reliable way to improve energy and mood over time.

For a more immediate look at the mental benefits, a study asked undergraduate students to take a 20-minute plunge into chilly seawater. They reported a significant shift in mood, with drops in negative emotions like tension, anger, depression, and confusion. They also reported increase in positive feelings like vigor and self-esteem. Another study with adults found that a five-minute cold bath made participants more alert, active, inspired. They even reported higher feelings of self-esteem afterward. 

Endorphins and noradrenaline work together here—while noradrenaline boosts energy and helps you stay sharp, endorphins work to reduce pain and promote a positive mood. Both combined contribute to a mental reset. 

Is it a mental reset or a fad?

So, is cold water therapy truly a mental reset? In some ways, yes. The shock of the cold forces you to focus, pulling you out of your mind and into your body. That break from racing thoughts can feel incredibly refreshing, almost like hitting your brain’s “reset” button. Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction in conquering something uncomfortable or challenging—it’s a reminder of resilience.

But, let’s be realistic here– it’s not magic. Cold water therapy isn’t going to fix any underlying issues like chronic stress or burnout on its own. It’s more of a quick mental boost or a way to feel recharged, especially on those groggy mornings when you need extra energy. It’s a tool, not a cure-all.

Before filling your bathtub with ice, ask yourself what you hope to get from this cold water immersion. It might be worth a try if you’re looking for a way to practice mental discipline, build resilience, or just shake yourself out of a rut. But if you hope it will replace more comprehensive wellness practices—like frequent exercise, quality sleep, or present moment awareness—you may be setting yourself up for disappointment.

Also, be mindful of your own body. Cold water therapy isn’t suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain heart conditions. Always start slow; remember, there’s no “right” way to do it. Even a 10-second cold blast at the end of a warm shower can give you a little taste of the effect without going overboard.

Conclusion

In my experience, cold water therapy is a mix of both—a mental reset and a fad. It’s definitely not the cure-all that some people claim, but there is something undeniably refreshing and empowering about stepping into the cold and taking control of your mind and body. For me, it’s become a tool in my wellness kit—a small practice that gives me a quick boost and reminds me of my ability to stay clear-headed.

If you’re curious, try it and see if it works for you. But don’t feel pressured by the hype. Cold water therapy is just one of many ways to find some mental clarity in our busy routines. And who knows? You might just find that a few seconds in the cold is all it takes to start your day feeling a little more alive.