To Cold Plunge or Polar Plunge? That is the Question:
Cold plunging has taken the wellness community by storm, and has even been made available as local as Roxbury, NewJersey. More and more people are participating because of the health benefits associated with just a couple minutes of plunging per session. According to Body Strong Life, some of the benefits include:
- Skin: The outer skin is briefly “frozen” activating increased production of collagen in deeper layers of the skin.
- Endocrine: The extreme cold exposure causes the body to turn up its metabolic rate in order to produce heat, helping the body to “burn” up to 800 kcal for up to 5-8 hours later.
- Musculoskeletal: The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of cryotherapy can drastically improve joint disorders such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
- Immune System: Cryotherapy improves the function of the immune system and decreases stress levels
Now that we have an idea of how cold plunging can affect us individually, I would love to elaborate on how the cold plunge affects our community. For over 50 years, New Jersey Residents and Plungers alike have traveled to Seaside heights, for the Polar Bear Plunge. So far they have raised $1.4 million dollars of their overall $2.1 million goal. This fundraising effort helps the Special Olympics of NJ provide “year-round sports training, competition, leadership opportunities, and health screenings to more thousands of athletes. All of these programs and services are completely FREE of charge, thanks to fundraising events like the Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside.”
I was so happy to connect with a local participator, Kristin Oyen. Kristin is the Owner of “ALL the A's Kristins Korner” which is an organization dedicated to supporting individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The primary focus will be those impacted by ADHD, anxiety, autism; challenged by addiction and alcoholism and survivors of abuse. All of the A’s promotes awareness, acknowledgement, acceptance, advocacy, accommodations and advising.
I am honored to be able to support Kristin’s mission by drawing awareness to her organization as well as her efforts in the Polar Bear Plunge. Kristin’s goal is $350.00, and at this very second, she has raised $258.00. In efforts to end her fundraising season with an impact, Kristin has organized an in person event to be held at Inner Love Market and Lounge this Friday, February 16th, from 5:30pm-9:30pm.
Cold Plunging may not be your thing, and that is totally ok. I am certainly unable to say I’ve tried it myself…YET. I am guilty of loving a lava hot shower in this season. However, they say there is strength in numbers. Being in community down at the shore may be a good time to take a plunge for the first time. If you cannot make it in person to the plunge, or Kristins event, please don’t fret. You can help Kristin’s effort by donating directly on the SONJ website.
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