The relationship between daily habits and mental health It is increasingly studied, especially in a context where problems linked to stress and anxiety are increasing. In this scenario, some simple practices began to be analyzed as possible complementary tools.
A recent study of the University of Chichester focused on the habit of bathe with cold water and its impact on the emotional state of people with mild depressive symptoms. The research was published in the journal Lifestyle Medicine.
The work sought to measure whether a brief, accessible and low-cost intervention could generate changes in the participants’ mood without the need for complex treatments.
The results provide concrete data about a practice that is gaining popularity in different contexts.
How the research was carried out
The study included 121 volunteers, who were divided into different groups to evaluate the effect of cold water in different controlled exposure conditions.
Three of these groups performed immersion in seawater at 13.6 °C for five, ten and twenty minutes, while a fourth group was not exposed and served as a reference to compare the results.
Before and after each session, participants completed questionnaires about their mood, allowing the changes generated by the experience to be accurately measured. This design allowed for direct comparison of results between those who were exposed and those who were not.
What changes were detected after immersion in cold water?
The results showed that all groups that were exposed to cold water They recorded improvements in their emotional state after immersion, regardless of the time they remained in the water.
According to published data, the positive effect was already visible in those who spent only five minutes, suggesting that it is not necessary to prolong exposure to obtain benefits.
Furthermore, the researchers found no significant differences between the different immersion times, indicating that the impact occurs quickly. This reinforces the idea that The effect is more linked to the stimulus than to the duration.
What happens in the body when we are exposed to cold water
The authors of the study propose that these changes can be explained by the body’s reaction to the cold, which activates different biological mechanisms linked to well-being.
Exposure generates an initial stress response that can stimulate the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters associated with improved mood.
In turn, there is an activation of the sympathetic nervous system, followed by a response from the parasympathetic system that favors subsequent relaxation. This combined process helps to understand why emotional changes are perceived in a short time.
Despite the positive results, The researchers warn that exposure to cold water is not suitable for all people and should be done with caution. In particular, they point out that those who have heart or respiratory problems should consult with a health professional before incorporating these types of practices.
They also emphasize that the observed benefits do not replace medical treatments, but rather should be understood as a complement within a broader approach.
The study of the University of Chichester provides evidence on the immediate impact of cold water on mood, something that explains its growing diffusion in different areas.
At the same time, it makes it clear that it is a specific tool, which must be integrated into broader habits linked to mental health care. The value of the practice lies in its responsible use, within an approach that considers health in a comprehensive manner.
