We wanted to chat about the benefits of our cold plunge experience. If you’ve visited the Kootenays, you know just how chilly our lake remains throughout the year. Enjoying a cold plunge in such a beautiful natural setting is so special. At Johnsons Landing Retreat Center we offer a sauna and an outdoor bathtub for cold plunging, which you can take advantage of during your stay with us.
This picture captures Monika enjoying a cold plunge in Kootenay Lake on January 1, 2024. She is committed to her cold water practice, swimming nearly every day throughout the year.
This is what Monika has to share about cold plunging:
“I have known of Wim Hof and his amazing achievements for years but only started the process once I moved here. The ability to walk to the shores of our beautiful lake made it easy. I started with a 30 second dip now it has extended to between 3-4min. It has become part of my day and I find something is missing if I don’t go to the lake or Kootenay Joe creek( which is quite a bit colder) for a dip and a couple of water blessing songs while submerged up to my neck.
It is all in your head, and the level of discipline you commit yourself to. Like with most of our hang ups, we can talk ourselves into or out of just about anything.
I recommend to talk yourself into cold plunging regularly especially if you can do it in a lake, creek or river, safely of course! It will strengthen, not only your immune system, the discipline of doing something that goes against your comfort level will strengthen your mind as well.”
Throughout life, people explore various elemental therapies for spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being. What proves effective for one person may not resonate with another, and the efficacy of these healing methods can fluctuate over time. For instance, someone might find cold plunging beneficial at one stage of life, then abandon it for years, only to return later. Life unfolds in a non-linear fashion, allowing us to navigate through different healing practices, discovering what aids us and what doesn’t, while enjoying the journey of choosing how we engage with these modalities.
Many locals in Johnsons Landing embrace cold plunging, whether by taking a dip in the chilly Kootenay Lake throughout the year, as Monika does almost daily, or enjoying a cold plunge after a sauna session. This practice is incredibly refreshing and allows people to connect deeply with water and its healing properties.
Cold water is denser than warmer water due to its slower-moving molecules being more tightly packed. When exposed to cold, your body enters “survival mode,” working diligently to keep its core temperature stable, which boosts blood circulation. This enhanced circulation helps redistribute blood, delivering fresh oxygen to all areas of the body that need recovery.
Cold water exposure is associated with various health advantages. Research indicates that it can boost metabolism, alleviate inflammation, and ease muscle soreness. Many individuals turn to ice baths and similar methods to enhance recovery following workouts. Additionally, cold plunges are connected to better sleep quality, increased concentration, and a stronger immune system. The benefits can include elevated energy levels and relief from symptoms related to autoimmune conditions, depression, and anxiety.
Monika recommends looking into the Wim Hof Method for anyone looking to explore this practice for themselves. Here is a peak into that method.
The Wim Hof Method is built upon three essential pillars that work together to enhance overall well-being.
The first of these pillars is the breathing technique, which is designed to increase oxygen levels in the body. This specialized approach to breathing unlocks a myriad of benefits, such as boosting energy levels, alleviating stress, and enhancing the immune system’s ability to combat pathogens effectively. By practicing this technique, individuals can tap into a reservoir of vitality and resilience that supports both physical and mental health.
The second pillar revolves around the practice of cold exposure. Engaging with cold temperatures initiates a series of health advantages, including the development of brown adipose tissue, which aids in fat loss. Additionally, it helps reduce inflammation, thereby strengthening the immune system, balancing hormone levels, and improving sleep quality. The exposure to cold also stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers that contribute to an overall sense of well-being.
Finally, the third pillar serves as the cornerstone for the other two, emphasizing the importance of patience and commitment. Mastering both the breathing techniques and cold exposure requires a focused mindset and determination. With these qualities, individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately gaining greater control over their body and mind, and unlocking their potential.
Our spiritual bond with water is vital. It flows through us and makes up a large part of our world. Engaging with water through swimming, steaming, sweating, drinking, and cleansing holds significance that we may not fully grasp. It’s crucial to keep our water clean and free from pollution to ensure a healthy future for ourselves and generations to come. Water is unique in how it nurtures us, so we must cherish and respect our relationship with it.
Water holds many mysteries regarding its ability to reflect energy and facilitate healing. By fostering a connection with water, we can delve into these profound possibilities within ourselves.
