Amidst of the coldest time of year, when temperatures fall and lakes freeze over – a very special group welcomes an age-old custom known as dipping in ice water. We will try and understand the expeditions related to cold water adventures and their link to Ice Bath benefits.
The Adventure
Thirty miles from New York, recently on a clear Thursday morning in Tamworth, with the mercury ticking around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, an adventurous group took off for one sprightly excursion. The destination: Squam Lake’s Sandwich Town Beach, where you can take a frigid but refreshing dip.
To these enthusiasts, the reasons for this cold water ritual are much more than just a thrill. The bond of safety and brotherhood merge as the group hurls itself into this icy ordeal. Frozen lakes become playing field and proving ground, breaking down barriers of body consciousness to generate the joy from overcoming physical hardship in nature’s lap.
One might ask: How can this be? The answer is within the period of gradual acclimatization and that feeling of comradeship. An imperative accessory, Neoprene booties make the icy plunge easier to bear. Eight brave souls dipped into the 33-degree water, their joy reverberating between waves. Their memories would fill them with warmth for years to come as well.
Eagle Cliff, beckoning exploration and located above Sandwich Town Beach
This tale of Icy exploits didn’t stop at the water line, however.
The link between the morning adventure of escaping from water, and an afternoon walk emerged. Despite differences, both activities had something in common–a challenge to the body with nature as one’s embrace. The cold water dip symbolized community and shared celebration, while the scaling of Eagle Cliff provided solitude, but both hunted after inner peace.
After the group disbanded, musings remained about morning activity and an afternoon climb. One brave adventurer rekindled his determination to climb Eagle Cliff’s 1,220-foot peak. Though steep and icy, the trail promised a view from its summit looking over Squam Lake to vaguely visible Sandwich Range.
The ascent proceeded through the Eagle Cliff Forest, a 103-acre preserve owned by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. The hiker opted instead for the Via Bypass, which avoided an ice-covered Via Ledges, and she followed along the trail. Instead of a cold breeze came silence on ascent. On top of the cliff, a fabulous sight lay in wait for them: below was frozen lake that commemorated this morning’s little aquatic adventure.
Home Again with Joy
The journey proceeded along the ridge in the direction of Red Hill, and finally crossed paths with Teedie Trail. Treading down a magical forest, with stone walls along the sides, hikers again join Squam Lake Road for an introspective walk back to reality. The Icy baptism and the mountainous trek though different but inseparable, they came together as a testament to nature’s bounty of joys.
Cold Water Adventures: Diving into the Depths of Welfare using Ice bath benefits
This is not limited to local traditions, cold water activities also have health benefits as GP Dr. Nisa Aslam explains: Even if it’s New Year’s Day dipping, a Christmas celebration or a resolution for the year ahead – cold water swimming is beckoning with promises of Ice bath benefits with improved mood and reduced depression that lead to increased general well-being.
Precaution and Preparation Before Accruing Ice bath benefits
But Dr. Aslam stresses that preparation and gradual acclimatization is necessary. Panic and involuntary gasping for breath can come as a result of cold water shock, which is one danger in temperatures under 15 degrees Celsius. While regular swimmer may adjust to this shock more easily, the physiological reactions can be quite sharp for novices.
This cold water plays a central role in the heart racing, blood pressure and cardiac output increasing. For the fit and healthy these may be of little concern. However, there are a few provisos: Those not accustomed to cold water adventures or still hung over from holiday drinking should proceed with caution.
Ice bath benefits with Body Transformation
Facing the cold, the skin goes through changes. After a swim you have healthy glow on your face and neck. The cold climate stimulates the brain, which secretes so-called endorphins–nature’s mood elevators and anti-stress medications. Cold water activities performed on a regular basis are conducive to better regulation of stress hormones, facilitating mental toughness.
At extremities, where cold is felt most keenly, blood vessels contract (this reaction eventually adapts after several minutes). The intricate dance of biochemical activity in muscles and nerves is thrown into chaos, generating a strange combination of pain and pleasure.
Conclusion
No matter whether it is an ice cold dip in the lake or a mountain hike, these activities have both physical and spiritual benefits, though the icy plunge and mountainous ascent are two different things.
