The Cringy Version:
“Take a cold plunge to reset your body and mind!” Cold plunges are all over social media these days, with influencers preaching their miraculous benefits. But for those of us who can’t—or won’t—plunge into a tub of icy water, it feels a bit out of reach.
And for me, with a quadruple bypass under my belt, a full-body cold plunge is not exactly on the doctor-approved list.
The Self Loathe Club Twist:
Instead of a cold plunge, we’re taking it up close and personal—just your face in a bowl of ice water. It’s quick, effective, and won’t leave you frozen like a popsicle. Plus, it targets the vagus nerve, which is a powerhouse for calming your body and resetting your mind.
How It Works:
Here’s the setup for The Frozen Face Reset:
- Grab a medium-sized bowl and fill it with cold water and a bunch of ice.
- Dunk your face for 10–15 seconds at a time.
- Repeat until you’ve submerged for a total of one minute.
It’s simple, safe, and surprisingly refreshing.
Why This Works:
This isn’t just a weird TikTok trend—there’s real science behind it:
- Stimulates the Vagus Nerve: The vagus nerve helps regulate your nervous system, and cold exposure activates it, calming stress and anxiety.
- Resets Your Mood: The cold shock interrupts racing thoughts and helps bring you back to the present.
- Quick Stress Relief: It’s like hitting “refresh” for your brain, giving you clarity and focus.
Why I Chose This
Cold plunges might be trendy, but they’re not exactly heart-friendly. Dunking my face in ice water offers similar benefits without the risks. For someone who’s survived a quadruple bypass, finding low-impact ways to manage stress and anxiety is crucial.
And honestly? It’s ridiculously satisfying. The initial shock wakes you up, and by the end, you feel weirdly calm and grounded.
My Takeaway
Self-love isn’t always cozy or glamorous. Sometimes, it’s sticking your face in ice water because you know it’ll help you feel better. The Frozen Face Reset is a quick, no-nonsense way to calm your mind and body without committing to a full-body freeze.
Would I do it again? Definitely. And if you’re curious, I recommend giving it a try. Just don’t blame me if you scream a little on the first dunk.
Embrace Your Weird,
Nick
Founder of Self Loathe Club
