Long hours at the desk, extensive screen times, and constant pressure from looming deadlines – these are only some of the challenges office workers face daily. Unfortunately, sometimes the old massage or cheat meal just won’t do to alleviate either the mental or physical pains that come from the work environment. We’re fortunate to live in a time, however, where the needs of the modern worker are comprehensively and habitually taken into consideration – and alternative treatments, mental health days and company retreats occupy the name of the game when it comes to solutions for worker wellbeing.
Ice baths, a form of cold exposure therapy, were once reserved for elite athletes – but now, they’re becoming increasingly accessible in health related conversations in the demands of the modern lifestyle, particularly where it concerns office workers. Let’s explore the benefits of portable ice baths for those in the office with our team at Xtreme Ice Baths below.
Benefits of a Portable Ice Bath for Office Workers
1. Eases Muscle Tension, Stiffness, and Inflammation
Australian office workers spend an average of 76% of their time at work sitting at their desks. This accounts for around five hours of their day. Over time, this sedentary positioning can accumulate tension around the neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips.
Ice baths offer an effective countermeasure against long-term effects through vasoconstriction. Through the process of decreasing blood flow – by dipping yourself in ice water and reintroducing fresh, oxygenated blood when rewarming – ice baths help remove cellular waste like lactic acid. In turn, this reduces inflammation in commonly strained muscle groups, leading to relief and improved day-to-day comfort. The renewed warmth to muscle groups when leaving your plunge, in addition to this, lends returning malleability and micronutrients to tissue, essentially providing a physiological reset to the body in ridding stiffness.
2. Boosts Mental Clarity, Alertness, and Focus
Staying sharp and mentally focused during long work days constantly challenges many office workers, and can even hinder productivity. Fortunately, ice baths can give a much-needed mental jumpstart.
Ice baths stimulate the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter responsible for increased alertness, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive performance. This response occurs as the body reacts to the cold water temperatures, activating the sympathetic nervous system responsible for your fight or flight responses.
Regular cold exposure therapy has also been linked to neurogenesis or the creation of new neurons. This is crucial for maintaining long-term cognitive health and keeping your brain functioning at optimal levels in your day-to-day tasks.
3. Reduces Stress, Anxiety, and Increases Resilience to Workplace Pressure
More often than not, the mental aspect of office work can be just as tiring as physical labour – depending on the type of work, mental work can demand intense cognition or mental resilience, especially in high-pressure industries. Ice baths offer a unique training ground to help build this resilience, as a function of tolerance to pain.
As you dip yourself into your cold plunge, the initial response of the body is to release stress hormones that would typically increase anxiety. However, with deep controlled breathing, you train your body to manage this stress response more effectively. The effects of this training build up over time and extend to other stressful scenarios such as workplace conflicts or high-pressure projects.
Ice baths have also been proven to stimulate the release of endorphins, or the body’s feel-good hormones, which also counteract stress.
4. Improves Sleep Quality and Supports Restful Sleep
Adults are recommended to get at least seven hours of sleep per night, however, the reality is that a majority get less than that which can be detrimental to their health. For those who experience difficulties in their sleeping patterns, ice baths can help.
The therapy supports the body’s natural thermoregulation process. As core temperature decreases in the cold water, it signals the body to start sleep preparation mechanisms. In addition to its ability to relieve muscle tension, it creates the perfect setting for a good night’s sleep.
Benefits of Portable Ice Baths for Office Workers
In addition to their physical and mental benefits, portable ice baths also provide convenience and flexibility. Unlike visiting a spa or a therapy clinic, it’s accessible anytime – and with its easy setup, it also provides a huge space-saving advantage, especially for those who don’t have the real estate for a full-sized ice bath in their homes.
Overall, these factors means that it’s an investment that encourages consistency, which is important to achieve the full benefits of ice baths. It also makes ice baths a more realistic addition to the wellness routine of busy office workers.
If you’re looking to start your ice bath journey with your very own portable ice bath, explore our range of products at Xtreme Ice Baths, for easy setup and ultimate convenience. Contact us for more questions or inquiries.
