Reduce Stress with the Cold Water Face Dip Technique: Rediscovering an Innate Talent
- Ling Shi
- May 20, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 22, 2024
Ever notice in movies when the hero splashes their face with cold water before tackling a challenge? It's not just cinematic flair; it's a practice rooted in our innate ability to find calmness amidst chaos. This often-forgotten technique, I named it ''Cold Water Face Dip'', taps into our natural responses to water, essentially the technique is to dip our face into cold water and hold breath for a few seconds. This technique offers a simple yet powerful way to manage stress and restore tranquility in our daily lives.

Me diving into the deep blue in one breath.
Unlocking Nature's Calm
Submerging your face in cold water activates the mammalian dive reflex, a built-in survival mechanism present in all mammals, including humans. This reflex induces a state of calm by slowing down the heart rate, reducing blood pressure, and lowering stress levels. It's nature's way of helping us find peace amidst life's storms.
Embracing the Practice
Incorporating the Cold Water Face Dip into your daily routine is a simple yet profound way to reconnect with your innate ability to find calmness. With just a bowl of cold water and a few moments of your time, you can tap into the restorative power of water and experience immediate relief from the stresses of modern life.
How to do it exactly?
1. Prepare Your Bowl: Fill a bowl with cold water, ensuring it's comfortable yet lower than your body temperature.
2. Take a Deep Breath: Inhale deeply, allowing your lungs to fill with oxygen and preparing your body for the next step.
3. Dip Your Face: Submerge your face into the cold water for about 20 seconds. Relax your face. Start with shorter durations if you're new to breath-holding exercises and gradually increase as you become more comfortable.
Safety and Sensibility
While the Cold Water Face Dip Technique is a simple and effective stress management tool, it's crucial to practice it responsibly and safely. Always perform the technique on land and NEVER do in a pool or open water. Additionally, ensure you have someone nearby to assist you, especially if you're trying it for the first time.
Want to Learn More About Freediving?
For those intrigued by the physiological intricacies of freediving and the mesmerizing depths of the ocean, I recommend delving into 'Deep'*by James Nestor. This captivating exploration takes readers on a journey into the world of freediving, uncovering the astonishing abilities of the human body and the profound connection between breath, mind, and water. Nestor's immersive storytelling and in-depth research shed light on the mysteries of the ocean and the remarkable feats of freedivers around the globe. Whether you're a seasoned diver or simply curious about the transformative power of the deep, 'Deep' offers a fascinating glimpse into the beauty and wonder of our underwater world.
The Amazon book link is HERE.* Ready to reconnect with your aquatic heritage and experience the calming effects of the Cold Water Face Dip Technique? Grab a bowl of cold water and dive in. It's a gentle reminder of our innate ability to find calmness in the midst of life's currents.
Feel inspired by this practice? Share with me your experience. And follow me on LinkedIn and Youtube for more stress management techniques.
The links marked with * above are affiliate links. If you click on it and purchase via this link or code, I receive a commission from the online shop or provider in question and you support my work here. The price does not change for you.
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