Embracing Contract Therapy: Balancing Wellness and Work
As someone who juggles two demanding jobs—a 9-to-5 at a CRM company in Arizona and running a six-figure business—I constantly seek ways to manage stress and maintain focus. Recently, I’ve embraced contrast therapy, incorporating both sauna sessions and cold plunges into my routine. This practice has not only helped me alleviate the physical stress of my hectic schedule but has also become a mental sanctuary, allowing me to reset and recharge.
The Beginning of My Cold Plunge Journey
A few years ago, I attended a Wim Hof retreat where I was introduced to the transformative power of cold plunging. The combination of Wim Hof’s breathing techniques and the icy plunge was a game-changer for me. I felt a significant reduction in inflammation and an improvement in my overall mood and energy levels. Despite the benefits, the logistics of finding a local facility that offered cold plunges were challenging, and eventually, I stopped going.
Fast forward to today, living in Arizona where the temperatures regularly soar above 100 degrees, finding a convenient way to continue my cold plunge practice seemed almost impossible. That’s when I discovered the Neuro Cover sauna and cold plunge setup on Instagram. Intrigued by the promise of having a home setup, I decided to give it a try.
Setting Up for Success
The Neuro Cover system arrived just in time for the Arizona summer. Setting it up was straightforward, and I was excited to start my sessions. The sauna operates more like a steam room, and I could feel the intense heat almost immediately. The cold plunge, which required a significant amount of ice to bring the temperature down, was a welcome relief from the blistering heat.
The Experience
Starting my day with a sauna session followed by a cold plunge has become a new ritual. The contrast therapy helps me manage the stress of working two jobs and keeps me mentally sharp. The intense heat of the sauna pushes me to my limits, while the cold plunge invigorates and refreshes me. This balance of extremes helps me maintain my focus and productivity throughout the day.
During a recent session, I even invited my in-laws to join me. We alternated between the sauna and the cold plunge, aiming for three rounds of each. The experience was both challenging and rewarding. The sauna, with its tight and hot environment, pushed us to our mental and physical limits. The cold plunge, on the other hand, provided a refreshing and invigorating contrast.
Benefits of Contrast Therapy
The benefits of contrast therapy are well-documented. It helps reduce inflammation, improves circulation, and enhances recovery. For me, it’s also about the mental benefits. The practice of pushing my body through these extremes helps me develop discipline and resilience. It’s a form of meditation that allows me to clear my mind and focus on the tasks ahead.
Practical Considerations
One of the challenges of living in Arizona is keeping the cold plunge cold. I found that using about 80 pounds of ice was necessary to achieve the desired temperature of around 45 degrees. While this can be costly, the benefits far outweigh the expense. To mitigate costs, I plan to use reusable ice blocks that can be stored in the freezer and added to the plunge as needed.
Conclusion
Contrast therapy has become an essential part of my wellness routine. It helps me manage the stress of working two jobs, keeps me focused, and provides numerous physical benefits. If you’re looking for a way to enhance your recovery, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being, I highly recommend giving contrast therapy a try. Whether you invest in a home setup like the Neuro Cover or find a local facility, the benefits are truly transformative.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. If you’ve tried contrast therapy or are considering it, I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.