In Stock Tank with a bucket of Ice I learned how to expose to cold and use it to enhance my physical existence. As the Northern hemisphere is heading into cold weather I wanted to revitalize that practice to reap it’s benefits for my well being and inspire others by planting a seed.
First 3 minutes of Cold exposure
0 – 11 Seconds — The Shock
- Heart rate spikes, you gasp, stress hormones surge.
- Cold-shock proteins (RBM3, CIRP) activate—these protect neurons and may slow Alzheimer’s.
- At 11 seconds, the body flips the switch: norepinephrine rises 530%, dopamine 250%, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha) drop immediately.
1:00 – 3:00 — The Transformation
- 🔥 Brown fat activation: metabolism up 350%, burning white fat
- ⚡ Mitochondrial boost: new cellular powerhouses form
- 💧 Lymph drainage: toxins flushed 5x faster
- ❤️ Blood vessel workout: vasoconstriction + dilation improves circulation
- 🛡️ Immune boost: white blood cells double within an hour
- 🧘 Hormone balance: testosterone up, cortisol normalized
- 🌿 Anti-inflammation: IL-10 rises 200%
- 😊 Endorphins: natural painkillers stronger than morphine flood your system
3:00 + — The Afterglow
You step out buzzing with clean, calm energy. Pain fades. Focus sharpens. You feel unstoppable. And it’s not placebo—it’s measurable chemistry.
The Compounding Benefits (30 Days of Daily Cold)
- Lower inflammation markers (like CRP)
- Reduced depression and anxiety scores
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Faster recovery, less soreness
- Better sleep and energy all day
Start with shower at coldest settings then week by week extend time and move into a ice tank. Happy ice tanking!