Seven Reasons Why People Hesitate to Cold Exposure Routine

Cold exposure therapy has been gaining popularity in recent years as a way to improve physical and mental health. I discovered this practice for myself back in 2019 and it has brought me tremendous health benefits and personal growth. It involves exposing the body to cold temperatures through techniques like ice baths, cold showers, or spending time in a cold room. Yet despite the plethora of potential benefits, many people are very hesitant to try cold exposure therapy.

Here are seven reasons why people are hesitant to try cold exposure therapy.

1. Fear of the Cold

One of the main reasons why people are hesitant to try cold exposure therapy is simply because they are afraid of the cold. Cold temperatures can be uncomfortable and even painful, especially if you’re not used to them. Many people worry that they won’t be able to handle the cold, or that it will be too much for their body to handle.

2. Lack of Knowledge

Another reason why people are hesitant to try cold exposure therapy is that they don’t know much about it. Cold therapy is still a relatively new practice, and many people are unfamiliar with its potential benefits. Some people may not know how to properly expose themselves to the cold, or how long they should stay in a cold environment.

3. Concerns About Safety

Cold exposure therapy can be risky if not done properly. Exposure to extreme cold can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, or other cold-related injuries. Some people worry that they will accidentally harm themselves if they try cold therapy without proper guidance or supervision.

4. Negative Past Experiences

For some people, the thought of cold exposure therapy brings back memories of negative past experiences. Perhaps they’ve been forced to spend time in the cold in the past, and it was a traumatizing experience. Others may have tried cold therapy before and found it too uncomfortable or painful.

5. Time Commitment

Cold exposure therapy can be time-consuming, especially if you’re doing it regularly. Taking a cold shower or bath every day can add extra time to your daily routine, which can be a turn-off for some people. Others may not be able to fit cold therapy into their schedule at all.

6. Fear of Failure

Some people are hesitant to try cold exposure therapy because they’re afraid they won’t be able to handle it. They worry that they’ll give up too soon, or that they won’t be able to tolerate the cold for very long. This fear of failure can be a powerful deterrent for some people.

7. Lack of Motivation

Finally, some people are simply not motivated to try cold exposure therapy. They may not see the potential benefits as worth the discomfort, or they may not be interested in trying new wellness practices. Without sufficient motivation, it can be difficult to commit to a new habit like cold therapy.

Understanding the fears and hesitations people have to cold exposure can help us empathize with friends and loved ones who refuse to participate in icy dips, regardless of how we might tout the benefits or how often we invite them to participate. The habit of cold exposure must be a personal journey- each one of us must decide for ourselves when and how we begin. In the meantime, continue your own icy habit and let the rest of the world marvel at your resilience and badassery.