Cold Plunge for Stress Relief: Can Ice Baths Lower Cortisol and Calm the Nervous System?
Published: August 24, 2025 Last updated: January 30, 2026 Chronic stress is one of the most common—and least well-managed—health challenges in modern life. As interest in nervous system regulation grows, many people are asking whether cold plunge for stress relief is more than a trend. This article examines whether cold water immersion can influence cortisol…