cold exposure & anxiety

Deliberate cold exposure has been discussed by Andrew Huberman as a means to improve the regulation of anxiety and other aspects of mental health. He mentions that while the act of cold exposure might initially cause anxiety, participating in it can lead to better regulation of anxiety in day-to-day life. This is attributed to the stressful nature of cold exposure which forces the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for top-down control and decision-making—to manage the body's stress response, leading to greater resilience and potentially less anxiety over time 1.

Cold exposure is also believed to work as a hormetic stressor, which when applied in a controlled manner, can lead to adaptational benefits such as improved focus and mental clarity. By consistently exposing oneself to cold, it's possible to develop greater behavioral control during periods of elevated stress hormones like norepinephrine and epinephrine, which are associated with heightened alertness and anxiety 2.

Furthermore, cold exposure has been found to substantially increase the levels of catecholamines such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the blood. These neurochemical changes are associated with enhanced attention and feelings of well-being 3. Such exposure has been reported to simulate 'eustress'—a form of positive stress—without significantly raising levels of the stress hormone cortisol, thus creating a neurochemical environment with potential health benefits 4. It’s essential to remember that these benefits come from controlled and deliberate cold exposure, and individual experiences with anxiety and stress management may vary.