I used to think that only crazy people celebrated the new year with a cold plunge into icy cold water. When I was a TV News reporter covering these “polar bear” swimming events, I thought “I’ll NEVER do that!”
That was before my husband became obsessed with taking a cold plunge every day. And dared me to try it.
I have Joe Rogan to thank for this. The mixed martial arts fighter and comedian hosts the #1 comedy podcast on Spotify. He counts my husband among his millions of listeners. Joe Rogan claims to take an ice bath every day, so now my husband and lots of other dudes are diving in.
Other cold plunge enthusiasts include Stanford Medical School’s Dr. Andrew Huberman. He hosts the #1 health podcast and touts the benefits of immersion in cold water.
Fortunately for me, it doesn’t have to be a tub of ice cubes, like you might see with Rogan or any number of pro athletes. According to Dr. Huberman:
“The key is to aim for a temperature that evokes the thought, ‘This is really cold (!), and I want to get out, BUT I can safely stay in.’ For some people, that temperature might be 60°F, whereas for others, 45°F.”
For me, 62 degrees Fahrenheit (16 C) in my unheated Florida pool was unpleasant enough. Watch the video here. I don’t care how much a cold swim speeds up exercise recovery or releases mood-elevating dopamine. I needed a warm towel and a hot shower — immediately.
Plunging in to new adventures:
Coming up in the next few months on this newsletter and the Strangers in the Living Room travel blog:
New destination: My family is going back to the Caribbean this year for a scuba diving break in St. Lucia as first-time visitors. We’ve been warned about driving on the British side of the curvy roads and getting an early morning start to dodge the ever-growing crowds of cruise ship passengers. Full details coming in March.
New experiences: Why not try a volunteer vacation? If you’re a native English speaker, you can get a FREE week at a gorgeous resort in Spain. In exchange for volunteering to help Spaniards improve their English. This blog post explains how to apply for Pueblo Ingles and what you can expect.
New travel gear: I’ll be test-wearing the self-proclaimed “best travel vest for women” and sharing my honest opinion. If you missed my review of Apple AirTags for tracking your luggage, here’s the link to watch the VIDEO.
New discoveries closer to home: If you’re headed down to the Sunshine State to escape the winter or enjoy spring break, check out my blog on 10 Top Things to do in Jupiter Florida like a local.
More FREE stuff: As promised in November, here’s how to get FREE tours in Europe with Living Stones. I tagged along on a tour in Ljubljana and had a great time making this VIDEO. Once a TV reporter, always a TV reporter.
New rules: I’ll try to keep you posted on new restrictions and fees in popular destinations. The latest is a whopping 25 euro ticket ($27 USD) to get inside the historic Hagia Sofia mosque in Istanbul, which was free until this month.
According to Euronews, the UNESCO world heritage site was suffering from the wear and tear of 3.5 million visitors a year. Officials are hoping tourists on a budget will visit one of Istanbul’s 3,000 other mosques instead, where admission is FREE.
Tourist Tax in Venice Update: Also starting this week, day-trippers in Venice must visit an official website to pay the 5-euro entry fee. You’ll get a QR code that will be checked at various points throughout the city. If you have a reservation to stay overnight at a hotel in Venice, you’ll get a QR code that says you are exempt from paying the fee. Kids under 14, residents of Venice and people born in Venice don’t have to pay.
As I dive into a new year of travel, I’ll leave the cold plunges to Joe Rogan, the polar bears and my husband. It doesn’t cost a thing to stand on the sidelines with a warm smile on my face and watch him shiver.
Have you tried a cold plunge? Let me know in the comments.
See you next month! Don’t be a Stranger.
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I'll take a hot tub any day!
Hello Brave One! As helpful as an icy plunge may be, I'm identifying with your TV journalist self who eschewed such a thing! I admire your moxie.