cold exposure therapy
Waking Up with Cold Exposure: A Simple Ice Facial to Kickstart Your Day
Every morning, I begin my day with a few powerful rituals to set my tone for the day, and cold exposure has quickly become a fast favorite. It's more than just a jolt of energy—it's a practice that nourishes my body, sharpens my mind, and empowers me for the day ahead.
As someone who leads a fast-paced life, managing both a business and a household, I’ve come to appreciate how vital it is to stay grounded and energized. Cold exposure has been a game-changer for me. It not only wakes me up physically, but it also activates my nervous system in a way that leaves me more resilient, focused, and calm throughout the day.
Why Cold Exposure?
Cold exposure offers a host of benefits that go beyond the initial shock of icy water:
Boosts circulation: The cold helps your blood vessels contract and then expand, improving blood flow, which gives your skin a healthy glow and stimulates deeper circulation throughout the body.
Reduces inflammation: Cold therapy helps decrease inflammation, which can ease sore muscles and promote recovery after workouts.
Increases alertness: The cold stimulates the release of adrenaline and norepinephrine, waking up your body and increasing focus and alertness.
Activates the vagus nerve: Cold exposure activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to regulate stress and promote a calm, collected state of mind.
As someone who thrives on holistic wellness and high performance, integrating this practice into my routine has helped me operate at my best—both personally and professionally.
Your Morning Ice Facial Ritual
Here’s how you can begin your day with an invigorating cold exposure ritual that’s easy to integrate into any routine—an ice facial.
What You’ll Need:
A bowl: Your favorite bowl, large enough to immerse your entire face.
Cold water: We recommend using 6.0 PH water from a medical-grade water alkalizer for extra purity and skin benefits.
Ice cubes: Enough to chill the water.
A towel: For drying off afterward.
Optional: A journal and a comfortable spot to sit, so you can reflect and set intentions after.
Step-by-Step Practice:
Set the Stage: Begin by filling your bowl with cold water and adding ice cubes. Allow the water to chill for a few minutes while you center yourself. Use this moment to breathe deeply and prepare your mind for the day.
Immerse Your Face: Gently lower your face into the ice-cold water. Hold it there for 15-30 seconds, or as long as feels comfortable. This initial shock will awaken your senses, boost circulation, and tighten your skin.
Breathe Deeply: As you immerse your face, focus on your breath. Try to breathe deeply and calmly through the experience—this is where the magic happens. Your vagus nerve will be stimulated, and you'll feel a wave of alertness combined with an inner calm.
Reflect: After your ice facial, dry your face with a towel and take a few moments to sit and reflect. If you’ve brought your journal, write down your thoughts or any intentions for the day. This practice helps you enter the day feeling aligned and refreshed.
This simple practice leaves me feeling both energized and grounded. It’s a chance to refresh my skin, wake up my body, and mentally prepare for a productive day.
For those in our community, we love to gather for this morning ritual. Our ice facials offer more than just physical benefits—they become a shared moment of connection, self-care, and empowerment. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, we can always take a moment to nourish ourselves.
This practice is a powerful way to begin your day with intention, awakening both your body and spirit. Whether you’re new to cold exposure or just looking to integrate something simple yet transformative into your morning, an ice facial is a perfect place to start.
Embrace the chill, and feel the energy and resilience ripple through your day!
