You'd have to have been living under a rock to have not been made aware of a recent health trend endorsed by a number of celebrities, as well as plenty of us regular folk.
Cold water immersion therapy is all the rage at the moment and ice water pods are having their moment in the sun. But when I was offered the chance to try one out I was in two minds.
Regular dips in cold water are said to have a host of benefits for both physical and mental health, and obviously I was keen to feel better in a number of ways. But I can't stand the cold.
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Some people feel the cold more than others and I'm someone who gets chilly just by grabbing a few bits out of the freezer during the big shop. Still, having heard cold water immersion described as "instant meditation" - something I really struggle to do otherwise - I was determined to give it a go.
And I can't describe how glad I am I did. I have had a cold water dip five times a week for the past four weeks and I'm struggling not to wheel out clichés because I genuinely do feel like a new woman (oops).
Initially, I dreaded getting into the chilly water in my little inflatable pod, but never once did I regret it afterward. You leave the water feeling cold, unsurprisingly, but also focused and full of feel-good chemicals.
I'm sleeping better, my mood has improved, and the cold water even takes away my painful period cramps. It has also had some knock-on effects in my mindset and consequently my weekly routines.
As someone who now regularly has cold water dips, my body feels healthier and so I am more inclined to make healthier choices. I run more now than I did before, and my body recovers more quickly.
It's also an extremely low maintenance way to give yourself a boost when needed, as you literally just go outside and climb in.
I would absolutely recommend cold water immersion therapy and my cold water pod has been an abundantly beneficial addition to my life.
I use the Portable Ice Pod from The Cold Pod. It has been reduced from £125 to £95, and as new customers can get a further 10% off, making it available for £85.50.
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