Coffee just doesn’t do it for some of us anymore, but fortunately cold plunging is a healthier and far more potent alternative for boosting energy levels, focus and motivation in general (9)(10). This is due to the significant release of epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain and body (1). The simultaneous release or “co-release” of these three neurochemicals make us feel alert and wanting to move about in a meaningful way – versus feeling fidgety or agitated - which can be positively redirected into other activities and tasks (9). Unlike caffeine or sugar, cold plunging lacks the “crash” in energy and concentration later. In fact, the huge increase in these levels is consistently recorded not just during the plunge, but also up to or greater than two hours afterwards (1)(11)(12).

1. Sramek P, Simeckova M, Jansky L, Savlikova J, Vybiral S. Human physiological responses to immersion into water of different temperatures. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2000;81(5):436-442. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s004210050065

9. Huberman A. Using Deliberate Cold Exposure for Health and Performance | Huberman Lab Podcast #66. www.youtube.com. Published April 4, 2022. Accessed November 20, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq6WHJzOkno&t=4375s

10. Huttunen P, Kokko L, Ylijukuri V. Winter swimming improves general well-being. International Journal of Circumpolar Health. 2004;63(2):140-144. doi:https://doi.org/10.3402/ijch.v63i2.17700

11. Xiao F, Kabachkova AV, Jiao L, Zhao H, Kapilevich LV. Effects of cold water immersion after exercise on fatigue recovery and exercise performance--meta analysis. Frontiers in Physiology. 2023;14. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1006512

12. Leppäluoto J, Westerlund T, Huttunen P, et al. Effects of long‐term whole‐body cold exposures on plasma concentrations of ACTH, beta‐endorphin, cortisol, catecholamines and cytokines in healthy females. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation. 2008;68(2):145-153. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/00365510701516350