Podcasts | Cold-Water Swimming and Sauna – Can cold and warm therapies enhance psychological well being?

If you’ve ever questioned whether or not the chilly‑water swimming craze is a real mind booster or only a very chilly fad, this episode is for you. New Scientist journalists Cat de Lange and Helen Thomson plunge into the science behind chilly dips, ice baths and saunas, asking whether or not they actually can elevate temper, shield the mind and construct resilience, or if a heat pool and a chat with associates would just do as a lot.

Along the best way, Cat and Helen discover why so many individuals really feel remodeled by entering into very chilly water, and what may actually be driving these publish‑swim highs. Is it one thing particular taking place contained in the mind and physique or the straightforward magic of nature, group and ritual? 

They’re joined by Professor Mike Tipton, a world‑main professional in how our our bodies reply to excessive environments. Together, they ask: in an age of central heating and air-con, have we made ourselves too comfy for our brains and our bodies’ personal good? 

We need to hear your ideas, go away a remark or ship in your concepts for future episodes to changeyourmind@newscientist.com

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Produced by Emily Bird