Harnessing the Power of Cold Exposure for Enhanced Well-Being - Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

Cold exposure can significantly increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels.
Safety is crucial; extreme cold can lead to cold water shock and hypothermia.
Dopamine levels can rise up to 2.5 times above baseline after cold exposure, comparable to cocaine effects but without a crash.
Different techniques can help manage discomfort during cold exposure, such as slow breathing or distraction.
Regular cold exposure can lead to sustained feelings of calm and focus post-exposure.
Cold water exposure is a low-cost method to enhance mood and mental clarity.

2.5

times increase in dopamine levels post cold exposure

degrees Celsius as a cold water benchmark

hour of cold water exposure recommended in studies

"There is never a case in which getting into cold water does not evoke a release of epinephrine."

"Cold water exposure turns out to be a very potent stimulus for shifting the entire milieu of our brain and body."

"It's basically zero cost way of triggering a long lasting increase in dopamine without ingesting anything."