How A Cold Plunge Helped My ADD
I was supposed to finish this post a month ago, but I got distracted.
That’s what I would have said in 2022. I’m a natural born procrastinator frequently distracted by shiny objects like my 238th game of Solitaire on my phone. Yes, I know. I’ve got ADD. Well, at least self-diagnosed ADD. Some days, it’s my super power. More often, it’s the thing that annoys me and the people counting on me to get something finished.
But a couple years ago, I started treating my ADD and found both my productivity and my relationships greatly improved. And no, I never had to worry about an Adderall shortage. Because I treated my ADD not with a prescription, but with cold plunging. That’s right, cold plunge, or cryotherapy, works wonders for my procrastination, focus and concentration. And it can help you too.
Is it ADD or am I just lazy?
I’m no doctor and I have not actually met you, but I don’t think you’re lazy. Unmotivated and uninspired maybe, but not lazy. (We procrastinators have to stick together!)
ADD and ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, are neurodevelopmental disorders in which the brain reward system is out of whack. (That is, I’m certain, the scientific term.)
They are often treated with stimulants, like Adderall, that raise levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. That’s because these neurotransmitters are your brain’s natural rewards and people with ADD or ADHD don’t have enough of these feel-good brain chemicals.
Dopamine helps regulate attention, focus, impulse control, and pleasure. Norepinephrine helps you stay awake, think clearly, and pay attention. Serotonin helps boost your mood and lessen anxiety. So yay! You can take a pill and fix your procrastination, right?
The thing is, the stimulants that help with ADD/ADHD are controlled substances. That means getting the prescription filled isn’t always easy. There’s no 90-day prescription. You’ll need a new one every month. It’s not a deal breaker but it is a pain.
More important is the reason why they are under such strict regulation. Stimulants like Adderall are highly addictive and prone to being abused. They can also have some nasty side effects including increased heart rate and blood pressure.
You know what also raises the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin but without the risk of addiction or side effects? Cold plunge.
Cold plunge to the rescue.
In addition to raising the levels of those “feel good” neurotransmitters, cold plunge activates your sympathetic nervous system, which helps you feel alert and focused.
Cold plunge changed my life and I believe it can change yours. That’s why we started Doodip. We want everyone to have the opportunity to see the benefits of cold plunge. And the proof that it works? You’re reading this. That’s right, cold plunging in a Doodip tub helped me finish this post on time and kept my fellow Doodippers from wanting to strangle me.
