The first time I was ever introduced to cold plunging was nearly 15 years ago at a Scandinavian Spa in Blue Mountain, Ontario. We went with friends on a weekend getaway just looking to relax and get some time away from the city. 

The spa staff showed us around the property and encouraged us to lounge in the thermal pools and saunas before dunking ourselves in freezing cold water. The cold water sounded terrible, so I chose not to participate in that part. 

The Rise of cold plunging

Fast forward to over a decade later and it seems like everybody is talking about cold plunging. My pastor even shared his experience from the pulpit one Sunday. With cold plunging making a comeback (because it’s actually an ancient practice), I decided to try it. 

So, a couple of years ago on one of my annual solo getaways, I gave it a try. I went to Sauna House in Asheville (a very cool experience) where I reserved a private suite to sauna and cold plunge. Choosing the private suite proved to be a good call so that I could acclimate to the experience in private without feeling embarrassed in the presence of seasoned cold plungers. (It took me multiple attempts to get in the first time).

Since my experience in Asheville, I’ve tried cold plunging off and on…and I’m not feeling it. Here’s 3 reasons why I haven’t made this practice part of my regular routine.

Why Cold Plunging Isn’t Part of My Routine

Reason #1: Cold Plunging Doesn’t Fit My Priority List

We are running businesses, raising 4 young kids, homeschooling and making sure we prioritize our marriage – all of that is probably 3 full time jobs. I already know that I can’t “do it all,” so I am choosy about where I focus. 

This is where I think a lot of high performers and achiever types tend to go wrong. Since we’re always looking to better ourselves we can believe that anything deemed to be “good” or beneficial should be added to our priority list.

But, I’ve learned over the years that overcommitting is the fastest way to feel overwhelmed and lose momentum. I don’t cold plunge because there are other basic health essentials that I would rather make room for everyday. 

This includes eating nourishing food every meal, maintaining proper sleep hygiene, exercising at least 4 days a week, daily de-stressing, taking my supplement stack and staying hydrated. With this and everything else we have going on, I just don’t have the bandwidth to add cold plunging to my regimen – at least not in this season of life. 

Key Takeaway: Don’t add things to your health routine that you don’t have the bandwidth to do. You’ll just get frustrated and feel like you’re failing, when you’re not. You just didn’t set yourself up to win.  

Reason #2: I Can’t Be Consistent with Cold Plunging

First, we don’t have a cold plunge tub – husband may have purchased one by the time I finish this writing (he’s been talking about it for a while). But as of right now – we don’t have one. So, the only way for me to do a proper cold plunge is to fill a tub with ice and water. I have no problem admitting that I will not make time for that. 

I know some people may say: “Well, you could get a cold plunging membership somewhere.”  They’re right. I could. But that’s extra time spent driving to and from the location which takes away from other higher priorities that I have right now, like spending time with my family. 

Logistics matter when it comes to health commitments. If the logistics make it too difficult to follow through, then you’re less likely to be consistent which means you’re probably not going to see results. So, keep that in mind the next time you’re considering signing up for that gym membership across town and you know you’re going to be mad sitting in traffic. 

Key Takeaway: Only add things to your wellness routine that you can be consistent with. 

Reason #3: I Don’t Cold Plunge Because I Don’t Like It

I could probably build up a love for it, but I don’t find that necessary right now. Disliking a health  habit is not always a justifiable reason to forgo it. Some things are just essential, like exercise and proper hydration. 

But cold plunging? It doesn’t make the high priority list so I don’t do it because I don’t like it. And that’s okay. Maybe you don’t like using wearables, like Oura ring or you’re not into yoga. It’s not a big deal. Sometimes we think we need to be doing “all the things” to be healthy – but really, it’s more about doing less consistently. 

So, that nasty supplement that you hate drinking and barely take a few times a month? Maybe it’s time to find an alternative that’s actually palatable so you can be consistent and get results. 

Key Takeaway: It’s okay to take your preferences into consideration when we’re talking about your health. If you do, it’s easier to get traction and make it a lifestyle. 

Final Thoughts for High Performers

If you needed “permission” to bypass this (or any other) trendy health craze, here it is. Not everyone is doing it and you don’t have to be on the bandwagon either. No matter how many influencers pop up in your feed stating otherwise.

As a final note – I’m not saying you shouldn’t cold plunge if you’re into it and it’s working for you. My message is more about creating a routine that you can stick with – and if cold plunging fits, great. If not, don’t sweat it. Focus on the basics and only commit to what you can be consistent with. 

Now, I want to hear from you. Are you a cold plunger? Or have you skipped this health habit? What other wellness trends have you chosen to forgo? What wellness trends have been beneficial to you? Let me know in the comments below.