How I Go From Spiraling to Calm in 30 Seconds

By Ashley French

I love a cold plunge. That shock of ice-cold water clears my mind, boosts my circulation, and immediately makes me feel present. I've done cold plunges at spas, but I don't own a home version. When I want to feel the effects of a cold plunge while also helping my skin de-puff and calming my mind, I pour a bunch of ice water into a bowl to create a mini-plunge.

A lot of people dunk their face in ice water to reduce puffiness, but I actually found out that it helps with my anxiety. Whenever I’m stuck in a mental loop—rehashing a conversation or worrying about something I can’t control—that jolt of cold water snaps me out of it. You can’t spiral when your brain is busy thinking, Oh wow, this is freezing. It forces me back into the present moment, and once I’m there, it’s easier to calm down.

My little ritual is simple and one everyone knows—it's not like I created the concept! But when I come up from the ice water, my skin is tingling, my breathing slows, and my head feels clearer. I don’t do it every day, but on the days when anxiety is loud, it’s one of the fastest ways I know to ground myself. Bonus: it does also help with puffiness! We love a multitasker.