Psychologist explains whether you should take hot bath or cold plunge if you're feeling low

NewsPsychologist explains whether you should take hot bath or cold plunge if you're feeling lowPsychologist Dr Nicole LePera has explained the difference cold and warm water can have on your

mindset whilst you are experiencing periods of trauma, burnout and stressgetsurreyBookmarkShareCommentsNewsByAlan JohnsonSocial News Reporter13:06, 4 JUN 2025BookmarkA psychologist has

revealed the difference a 'cold plunge' and a warm bath can have on your mindset (stock)Get the latest Surrey Live breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

A psychologist has revealed the dramatic difference taking a "cold plunge" and having a warm bath can have on your body and mindset whilst you're in fight-or-flight mode. Dr Nicole

LePera explained that whilst cooler temperatures are especially effective if you have a high window of tolerance in your nervous system, you should always seek warmth in times of complex

trauma, burnout and stress.

"If your nervous system is already stuck in a sympathetic state, cold water creates more dysregulation in your body," she explained in a video. "It raises cortisol levels and it floods your

body with adrenaline." Conversely, however, warm water "activates your parasympathetic nervous system" known as a "rest and digest" state. Working in the opposite way, this lowers cortisol

and calms your vagus nerve, which helps regulate essential involuntary functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestion.