I Cold Plunged Every Day for 30 Days - Here is How It Went
- Salú Sauna + Wellness Spa
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
Hi everyone, Katie here! I wanted to share my experience with you after completing a cold plunge challenge to start the year.
As a sauna studio owner, I’m deeply invested in wellness, but this challenge pushed me beyond my usual routine and tested my self-discipline and mental strength. Ultimately, though, I was rewarded in so many ways.
For 30 days, I committed to a daily cold plunge. Let me be honest: It was hard every single day. That initial jolt of icy water never became comfortable. However, without fail, I always emerged feeling invigorated and genuinely glad I’d taken the plunge.
The mental health benefits were the most profound. Immediately after each plunge, I experienced a rush of endorphins and dopamine. Research supports this; cold exposure triggers the release of these neurotransmitters, which are natural mood boosters. This wasn’t just a fleeting feeling. The sustained energy and elevated mood lasted for hours, providing a consistent sense of well-being throughout my day.
Physically, I noticed a significant reduction in bloating and inflammation. While individual results vary, studies have suggested that cold water immersion can decrease inflammatory markers in the body. I also felt a marked improvement in my stress resilience. The daily act of conquering the cold seemed to translate to a greater ability to handle daily stressors. If I could face that icy water, I could handle anything the day threw my way. My patience levels increased and I felt more grounded.
This challenge also increased my sauna usage. While I didn't always have time for both sauna and cold plunge every day, I found myself incorporating the sauna more frequently. My ideal routine became 25 minutes in the sauna followed by 3 minutes in the cold plunge. This combination always leaves me feeling refreshed and reset in a way.
My friend, and a familiar face at Salú, Jenny Harman, joined me on this 30-day journey. Here’s what she had to say.
“This daily cold plunge challenge pushed me out of my comfort zone. It taught me that I can stick with a goal that I set for myself, even when I didn't always feel like doing it. After just a few days of daily plunging, I felt more energized, experienced mental clarity, slept better, and my overall mood improved. Although we had a busy and sometimes stressful month, this challenge gave me the energy and mental capacity I needed to get through a busy month without feeling overwhelmed and over-tired. I would definitely recommend regular cold plunges to anyone looking to improve their overall wellness and mental health.”
The combination of increased energy, mental clarity, and improved mood was undeniable. This challenge reinforced the powerful impact of cold therapy on both physical and mental well-being.
The science behind this is compelling. Studies have shown that regular cold exposure can:
Boost mood: By triggering the release of endorphins and dopamine.
Reduce inflammation: By decreasing inflammatory markers in the body.
Improve circulation: By constricting blood vessels and then dilating them, enhancing blood flow.
Increase stress resilience: Through the process of hormesis, where brief exposure to stress makes the body more resilient.
Enhance mental clarity: By promoting alertness and focus.
My 30-day cold plunge experience was transformative. It was a daily reminder of my own strength and resilience and it provided a consistent boost to my energy, mood, and overall well-being.
Inspired by this experience, we're excited to announce our new Daily Cold Plunge Membership! Experience the incredible benefits of regular cold therapy for yourself! We're here to support you on your wellness journey.
What others are saying
“I always feel better afterwards. The combination of sauna and cold plunge help decrease my back pain.” -Lee H.
“Why I love Salú - especially the Nordic Cycle! Mental clarity, prayer and meditation, and inflammation and pain relief.” -Rachael B.
“It just feels so good. It’s a great reset.” -Scott R.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. The experiences described are personal and individual results may vary. Cold plunging can pose potential risks, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or circulatory problems. Consult your doctor before cold plunging. Salu Spa LLC is not liable for any injuries.