Deliberate Cold Exposure — How to Do it RIGHT with Dr. Andrew Huberman | The Proof Podcast EP 205

According to Dr. Andrew Huberman deliberate cold exposure can boost your mental and physical health. If done right, you can even increase its resilience-enhancing effects. Even the shivering is something you'll be grateful for. But if we're talking about ice bath here. . . How cold? For how long? And are cold showers good enough? Well, you're finding out. Keep watching and learn about the benefits of deliberate cold exposure, how to do it right -- and a few more insights (because you absolutely have to prioritize safety).

[Understanding Your Brain - with Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman, PhD]

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[Dan-uqrr]

I used to hate the cold weather. I always take hot shower my entire life. I changed to take cold shower in the morning in the past 2 weeks. It really changed my life. I feel more energetic and more focused with my work. I dont hate the cold weather anymore. It is just crazy!! If you wanna live healthier and longer start taking cold shower in the morning.

[dominicc]

Just took a super cold shower, breathing heavily, shivering severely, feeling like you’re going to run out of breath. But that part only lasts 30 seconds. After that, it’s just shivering. Not horrendous

[jason-hhlu]

The dopamine part is amazing. I’m a carpenter and my work is stressful, gives me anxiety. After a cold shower all that seams to run away with the cold water. 👍🏻

[dexterleonscott]

Changed everything for me!! Less anxiety and stronger focus

[terwils]

I found cold exposure, cold shower to be a mental exercise as well. This is common Stoic training method. I hated taking the shower and realized it was my judgement or opinion of the cold that needed to change. Of course this took a very long time. But then, I noticed the change, where my opinion of just experiencing the sensation as just that, a sensation, without opinion. Once I got to that point, it expanded my observation and I could begin to use that experience, wisdom if you will, to other judgements of experiences. Epictetus, a Stoic teacher, explains that it's not things that bother us, it's our opinion of things that bother us. Great teachings that are also similar to Buddhism, in Vipassana meditation.

[MsSemki]

I'm sure that submerging my legs and arms in cold water daily has cured by chronic fatigue syndrome that I've had for over 10 years. Now I have energy to exercise, do things, and I can sleep (I didn't have good sleep for 10+ years). While before, reading for 15 minutes would make me beyond exhausted. I wish I started doing it sooner.

[GSDaddy]

Pro tip for beginners: hold very still while doing plunge, you’ll notice your body keeps a layer of heat that only dissipates in the areas that are moving. that’ll allow you to experience a very still meditative comfort while building up your cold tolerance.

For the Icemen: move around and welcome the cold 🥶

It’s fun to challenge colder temperatures but your body can go into shock so be safe and plunge with friends

[brianpass]

From experience, 55 degrees is great - feels great for hours, but 44 degrees is amazing - feels great for days. 55 degrees is pretty tough for 10-15mins . 44 degrees is total commitment....& it pays

[frannyp]

Enjoyed this. Been doing regular cold showers for 3 years, but it’s always good to hear the benefits again for motivation. I find it hard, but 2 minutes later I’m so glad I went through it to feel the benefits for the day. It’s a good deal

[keshavnarra]

I have been taking cold showers for just 1 min. Feeling pretty confident and mentally clear.

[joelkoonce]

I live in Alaska. I was having problems with My feet getting cold, even in the house. I took drastic measures, I started walking barefoot in the snow, very painful, but amazingly My feet adapted . Now, My feet actually get hot after walking in the snow 😂

[scotthanford]

I was doing cold exposure at night and getting under the covers shortly afterwards. Terrible idea was trapping the cold under the covers. I now do cold plunge first thing in the morning, allow my body to warm up with just shorts on, do my strength exercises, then get on with the day. It's invigorating but I think you need to move around after a cold plunge to allow the body to heat up naturally and slowly.

[justintrud]

I started doing daily cold plunges on 8/28/23. It’s very addicting. I use to do it first thing in the morning and then again in the evening. I now do once a day in the morning. I plunge at 50 degrees for 5-6 minutes. I love it.

[stevegram]

I found that after practicing cold water therapy at my gym for the last 6 months, I now feel uncomfortable for only about 15-20 seconds. When I started if took 2 minuets to feel comfortable.

[studio_strix]

Listening to this while taking my cold shower this morning for motivation lol. Perfect timing

[Itsxmusic]

The craziest part is that when I get out of the cold shower I feel warm and energetic! And I make sure it’s COLD. I turn the water all the way to cold and wait a minute before I get in.

[madhusudan]

While the first moments of a cold shower are uncomfortable, pretty quickly the body adapts and accepts it. I assume this experience is universal.

[richardhead]

I've cold plunged into water in the low 30s, it's painful but I was able to do it for a few minutes. I'm sure I am not the only one who has done this.

[emptydog]

Ha ! I’ve been doing cold shock for years, cold showers. Ice baths cryotherapy it’s life-changing. I’ve never heard the stand there after you get out of the shower or bath but it makes perfect sense.. as far as testing people in the shower because you can observe them why not? Just have them put on some minimal clothing. It is kind of funny to walk around in a tank top outside and people are like oh my gosh aren’t you cold? But the truth is it’s so energizing and you feel great.

[andywall]

Thank you for the advice- I’m 6 years into my cold water submersion and want to understand why I feel 😁 great 🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️Thank you