Self-care is the art of treating yourself as the VIP that you are. The love letters you give to yourself can be classic, like painting, meditation, or even a glass of wine before bed. Others may enjoy more unique approaches, such as goat yoga, earthing, even smash rooms where you can demolish stuff to let off steam (read about smash rooms on page 32). Ice baths can also be a cool (pun intended) form of self-care. Cold plunging has been gaining traction in recent years—generating more than 500 million views on TikTok. While the practice may seem new, it actually dates back as far back as Ancient Rome. Often associated with athletes and fitness junkies, ice baths are making a splash in the broader wellness scene for their intriguing array of benefits, both physical and mental—just be careful not to turn yourself into a human popsicle!
Cold plunging has been shown to help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, improve circulation, and even boost your immune system—but they can also do wonders for the mind. The cold can help release endorphins, those feel-good chemicals and give your brain a refreshing jolt. Plus, the challenge of enduring the chill can build mental resilience. Though many people have taken to purchasing their own ice baths for this practice, Ridgefield has its own superior wellness sanctuary to get you started.
HealthX® (healthxco.com) emerged in response to the necessity for a local health and wellness hub, aiming to introduce innovative approaches to healing within the 068 community. Owner Kacey James formed the idea after struggling with multiple health issues and not getting the desired results from traditional medicine. After turning to new modalities such as ice baths, saunas, red light therapy and cryotherapy and seeing positive results, he worked with leaders in alternative and holistic medicine to make these incredible tools accessible in his community.
“Each year we have helped thousands of clients achieve their health goals, overcome health struggles, and propel professional athletes to reach their full potential, all centrally located on beautiful Main Street in Ridgefield,” says James. Distinguished by its superior technology such as the first whole body cryotherapy chamber on the east coast that does not utilize harmful nitrogen gasses, the most effective infrared saunas, and the world’s only ice bath that forms its own ice and utilizes ozone, the safest and strongest natural water disinfectant available, clients have embraced the unparalleled results and supportive wellness community at HealthX®.
James and his team offer superior and expert guidance to those wanting to experience cold plunging for the first time. “Ice baths are where mental and physical fortitude meet,” James says. His biggest piece of advice? Ease into it. “The first 60 seconds of cold exposure will inevitably be the hardest when the body is working through its natural reactions to the cold, but once those 60 seconds have passed, the body is better able to settle into the experience.” Kevin Elston, an avid HealthX®-goer, had this to say about his experience cold plunging. “For me, it’s as much spiritual and mental as it is physical. During my four minutes in the water, if I’m not praying, I am repeating the mantra, ‘I can do hard things.’”
Ain’t that the cold truth!