Can your mind re-shape your ice bath experience?

It’s hard to believe, but I used to be such a cold-sensitive person.

I would freeze all winter long, and every time I stepped out from the warmth into the cold, it felt like a little shock to my system.

Today, I take ice baths several times a week (except during my period), and it doesn’t bother me at all. There are just a few simple tricks to escaping that cold – that icy, bone-deep cold of the water. And the mind – what you think in that moment – plays a decisive role.

Anyone familiar with Wim Hof knows that breathing plays a huge part in moving energy through the body. For me, breathwork also helps control the mind and make the body more resilient.

So my keys for every ice bath are my breath and my thoughts, because with them, I can keep the cold at a distance. I imagine the cold bouncing off my skin instead of sinking into my bones. I also imagine that the water is actually hot (since hot water can hurt too!) and that I’m somewhere tropical, where it’s far too warm to even get into the water. And I imagine that, in this moment, I’m taking the most healing and beneficial bath for my health.

Guiding my thoughts together with deep breathing allows me to enjoy every ice bath instead of shivering through it. I barely even get goosebumps anymore – which still amazes me every time.

Maybe these little tricks will help you try it yourself this winter. But remember, it’s not for everyone, not for every woman, and not at every time. Listen to yourself, to your inner voice and your body. That’s the most important thing, no matter what others say.

Because a body that’s under stress and constantly in fight-or-flight mode isn’t necessarily ready for ice bathing. It would only raise your cortisol levels even more and leave you feeling more drained. And women on their period should skip it (some still go, so listen to your own intuition). And if you have any cardiovascular issues, make sure to check with your doctor first.

Because ice bathing is so much more than a test of courage – it works holistically on body, nervous system, and mind. It trains the blood vessels, activates brown fat cells, strengthens the immune system, and reduces inflammation. It also lifts your mood, brings clarity, and enhances focus.

But best of all: ice bathing reduces stress and strengthens your resilience. ❄️