Cold Joy: Experience the Wondrous Power of Cold Water

Wellness podcaster DeLana (Do Walk) celebrates cold water immersion as a source of joy and resilience in this inspiring guide. Early research, she explains, suggests cold plunges—the act of submerging oneself in cold water (typically below 60 degrees Fahrenheit) for a short period—may have health benefits, like improving alertness, increasing metabolism, and decreasing stress. DeLana, who regularly hops into the Merrimack River and the stock tank in her backyard, views the activity as a ritual that brings calm to her body and mind, noting she sleeps better, doesn’t get sick, and responds better to stress. The biggest benefit, she says, is the “sense of embodiment” the coldness brings her, forcing her to pay attention to her breath and all her senses. She shares practical tips for those ready to take the plunge, including consulting a doctor first and never dipping alone, as well as how to get in (submerge quickly feet first, up to the neck) and how to warm up afterward (drink hot tea). With striking photography capturing her icy dips around the world and affirming language (she sees the activity as “an expression of self-love”), DeLana effectively frames cold plunging as a practice meant to be savored. Anyone curious about the benefits of cold water will enjoy diving into this beautiful volume. (Oct.)