Looking to support brain function, reduce pain and inflammation, increase metabolism, lift mood, and improve sleep? Cold therapy may be worth exploring.

This practice can be as simple as a one-minute rinse in your shower or a plunge into the ocean. The first ten seconds may feel uncomfortable, but with repetition it becomes easier, even energizing. Many people find their sleep and daytime energy improve with consistent practice.

The science lies in mitochondria, the tiny organelles in our cells responsible for producing energy. Cold exposure challenges mitochondria, removing weaker ones and making room for stronger, more resilient replacements. At the same time, the shock of cold water encourages lymphatic vessels to contract, which helps move fluid, flush waste, and support immune function.

If cryotherapy feels too intense, gentler practices such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or even a slow walk in nature "forest bathing" can train the nervous system in similar ways. These practices help shift the body into a parasympathetic “rest and digest” state, improving focus, creativity, and emotional balance, while reducing the tendency toward stress-driven “fight or flight” responses.