The first polar bear plunge occurred in Vancouver in 1920 by a group called the Polar Bear Club, and the tradition is still going strong.
Polar plunges are events where hardy souls take a dip in icy-cold ocean waters. The events are held yearly in various countries around the world, but in the United States, they are often associated with fundraising for charitable organizations, such as the Special Olympics.
Cold plunges are also popular with athletes and wellness buffs, but does research support the hype? A recent meta-analysis took a comprehensive look and found that the practice offers a time-dependent benefit for stress, which has a bearing on mental and physical health. It also noted other benefits, including short-term help with inflammation and possibly sleep quality....
↧
