Ice Cubes and Cold Water Are Your Friends in the Morning

Think of it as a gateway drug to ice baths

You’ve seen those YouTube videos or read those headlines. Ice baths provide various health benefits, but do they really?

I’ve never tried one. Or not the kind that seems to be in the popular imagination. Literally a bathtub full of ice cubes. And then you jump in.

I’ve dipped most of my body into an ice-cold pool. It’s a great way to cool off after coming out of the sauna or steam room.

But not everyone has a sauna or steam room at their residence. You have a fridge, though, right?

We’re only human. We all have trouble getting up in the morning. The only difference is the frequency with which this occurs. And when it does happen to you, I want you to be ready. In fact, this minor addition to your morning routine is great even when you’re not feeling sleepy after crawling/jumping out of bed.

It’s also great if you’re thinking of trying an ice bath but would like to dip your toes into something a little less extreme first. Baby steps.

(For better or worse, we’re living in an age where I have to include this: I’m not a doctor. This is something I do, and it works for me. If it works for you as well, fantastic. If not, you’re probably still alive.)

Go to your bathroom sink, turn the nozzle all the way to cold without actually turning it on yet, and dip your head sideways under the faucet (or tap if you prefer) with your eye (left or right, it doesn’t matter) directly underneath the faucet, and turn it on. If it’s your first time, you might want to keep your eyes closed. I keep mine half open. Then switch to the other eye.

You should feel more awake. Hopefully, your eyes aren’t red. You can try to adjust the angle.

Then grab two ice cubes, roll them under your eyes, close your eyes, roll them over your eyes, and then pretty much all over your face. On your forehead, across your brow, along your nose. You can even trace your jawline with one. It’ll probably make you feel sexy. Don’t forget the chin and the skin that threatens to be your second one if you’re not careful.

I count to ten when I hold the cubes over my closed eyes. This part can be intense. Maybe don’t start the countdown at ten when you’re starting out.

And that’s it. Shouldn’t make your morning routine much longer.

Let me know how it goes.

Dash Ip does that first one every morning and the other one every other morning.