Cold plunging with a cold

If you have a cold, avoid cold plunging—especially if you feel genuinely ill or run down. Cold exposure is a stressor, and rest is generally the better choice while your body is fighting an infection. 1

• Cold exposure’s effects: It can trigger adrenaline and norepinephrine, which may affect immune activity, but those effects don’t make a plunge a good choice once you’re sick. 2
• Added stress during illness: When you’re feeling malaise or run down from an infection, Huberman advises avoiding stressful challenges—including deliberate cold exposure—and resting instead. 3
• Use extra caution: Cold exposure is a potent stimulus; the guidance also emphasizes safety and avoiding potentially dangerous responses. 4