Brain imaging study links increases in positive emotions after cold water immersion to changes in neural connectivity

A recent study found that taking a 5-minute bath in cold water can make people feel more active, alert, attentive, proud, and inspired, while also reducing feelings of distress and nervousness. The positive emotions experienced by participants were linked to increased communication between different parts of the brain responsible for attention control, emotion, and self-regulation. The study was published in Biology. Swimming outdoors and taking cold showers are activities that have become more popular in recent years. People who engage in them typically believe that they are beneficial for th...