My favorite thing about cold plunges is that they never get easier. 

You can’t outsmart the cold. 

No amount of preparation will make the water any less cold.

Cold water is cold water.

With each new plunge, you are forced to make peace with something you can’t control. I like that challenge.

But truthfully, it’s kind of ironic that I feel this way. 

I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. For me, OCD means unwanted intrusive thoughts, compulsive overthinking, and serious anxiety related to uncertainty. I have a hard time dealing with things that I can’t control.

In their own way, cold plunges have helped me manage that aspect of my life. 

I remember my first plunge vividly. My OCD was working overtime that day.

In the fall of 2019, my friends invited me to a guided breathing class with an ice bath at the end of the session. 

I didn’t want to go. I was dealing with anxiety and distressing intrusive thoughts during that season of life.

But I made a promise to my friends. So I showed up.

The ice bath was frigid.

When I exited the bath, I could feel my body tingling. I felt my stress alleviate as I celebrated with my friends. I felt calm and relaxed for the rest of the evening.

It took me a while to realize why I felt that way. Sure, science can explain on a technical level. But I here’s how I explain it:

I was so cold that I couldn’t think about anything else. This meant I couldn’t overthink.

It might sound silly, but cold plunges and breathing exercises have been important tools for my journey towards managing OCD. It was like I acquired a new, very powerful way to help calm my brain down.

After my first experience, I knew I wanted to do a lot more plunges. And not just ice baths. I wanted outdoor experiences too. My friends were on the same page. 

We officially became crazy people who waded into rivers in the middle of the winter. Our goal was to find epic places to do cold plunges.

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Best cold plunges in Illinois

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Beyond the urban sprawl, Illinois boasts cold water sanctuaries. Discover rejuvenating cold plunges in tranquil lakes and hidden river eddies.

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Kohler Waters Spa - Lincoln Park

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Chicago Sweatlodge

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Tranquil Waters Float

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Aire Ancient Baths Chicago

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Freeze & Float Spa

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Disclaimer: ChillGuide relies on user-submitted information; accuracy is not guaranteed. Outdoor conditions can change rapidly. Before plunging, always use your best judgment. Avoid hazards like fast-moving water, conditions with poor visibility, and unstable river banks. By choosing to participate in a cold water plunge, you assume all liability and responsibility for your actions. Businesses listed on our website that offer indoor cold therapy may not have accurate pricing, availability, hours, or info. Stay safe and plunge responsibly!

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