Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – June 5, 2024 – Every day I wake up, pour myself a large glass of water followed by another one, and start the kettle for the coffee. I will either check emails first or take the dogs on a walk, order depending on the day, then I hop on my yoga mat and do one of my own workouts with light weights/stretching, something else online, or just do yoga. I meditate (often with my coffee)… then I take a hot shower, followed by a cold shower with intense deep breathing for at least 90 seconds. 

Just like coffee, a cold shower is a part of my daily routine. You may be asking yourself, why on earth would I want to do that? Well, I’m not crazy. Let me explain. 

What exactly is cryotherapy? Cryotherapy, derived from the Greek words “cryo” (cold) and “therapy” (cure), involves the use of extreme cold to treat various medical and aesthetic conditions. It ranges from localized treatments, where specific parts of the body are exposed to cold temperatures, to whole-body cryotherapy (WBC), where the entire body is subjected to cold or even freezing temperatures for short periods, typically between two to four minutes. You can go up to 7-10 minutes, but it all depends on temperature, person, and experience. 

I first heard about it on Goop’s Netflix documentary (I’m a hardcore Goop-ie), where Wim Hof exposed himself to ice cold every day and was able to reject disease. His method is so famous that even some Jonesboro friends I know do it. I then heard about it again when Rainn Wilson, who you might better know as Dwight Schrute, talked about on YouTube and many podcasts about how it’s an essential in his daily routine to help with his anxiety. As someone who battles with general baseline anxiety, I had to try it. 

It was hard at first, I will not lie, but then it slowly became a challenge that made my body feel so good that I couldn’t go without it. I’m hooked. It gives me such an endorphin boost similar to exercising, which hooked me even further. 

And let’s be real. If Dwight can do it, so can you. Here are some of the benefits of cryotherapy: 

  • Pain Relief and Muscle Healing: Athletes often use cryotherapy to reduce muscle soreness, pain, and inflammation after intense workouts. The cold temperatures can help decrease inflammation and numb nerve irritation, which may be particularly beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
  • Reduced Inflammation: This is the BIGGEST one for me. My skin is less inflamed and my puffiness in my face, hands, and feet is much less. Chronic inflammation is linked to a variety of health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Cryotherapy may help reduce inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of developing these conditions.
  • Improved Mental Health: Some studies suggest that cryotherapy can have a positive impact on mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. The endorphin release induced by the cold exposure can help enhance mood and overall mental well-being.
  • Weight Loss: Cryotherapy can boost metabolism by causing the body to work harder to stay warm. While it’s not a standalone weight loss solution, it can be a helpful adjunct to a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
  • Enhanced Skin Health: Cold temperatures can promote collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing signs of aging. I swear my cellulite is better (not making claims, just sharing my experience). It may also help with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis by reducing inflammation and irritation.
  • Boosted Immune Function: Regular cryotherapy sessions can stimulate the immune system, helping the body to fend off illnesses more effectively.

If you’re looking to add this into your routine, here are some tips I have if you’re interested in this amazing dopamine hit. 

    • Start small. Start with cool temperatures instead of freezing, start with just an ice cold towel to your face, with one part of the body only (lower body, upper body) or with a short time frame like 10 seconds. Then, work your way up each time. 
    • Do it in the morning. Cold is very stimulating, so it’s meant to wake you up. 
    • Do it after being outside in the heat, as it’s a quick way to cool down and is much easier to tolerate. 
    • Put on a podcast or song so you have a bit of a distraction. This helps me SO much. 
    • Think your skin as just a barrier that things roll off of (because that’s what it is). It almost helps me to mentally think of the cold water as external to me, not controlling me. 
  • Breathe. Focus on your breathing and nothing else. The slower the breath the better. This is where the anxiety tolerance comes in.  

It may not be for you, and that’s okay. But if you want to incorporate cryotherapy into your routine, it’s so worth it. In my opinion, there is no better time of year to start this practice than in the heat of the summer here in Arkansas. If you’re local, here are a few places in Jonesboro that offer cryotherapy so that you, too, can experience these benefits.