Finding Calm in Chaos: Lessons from a Cold Plunge

Recently, I took on a challenge that I never expected to teach me so much—a cold plunge.

If you haven’t tried it, a cold plunge is exactly what it sounds like: you step into freezing water, and your only job is to stay there and ride it out. For me, that initial step into the icy water was like hitting a wall. My body went into full-on panic mode, and I started gasping, every instinct screaming, Get out! Get out! This is too much!

Honestly, I was scared to try it. But I knew that going through this experience was important, not only for my own growth but also as part of the retreat I was at. So, with a little encouragement from Brian Bogert, who had just coached others through it, I mustered up the courage and stepped in.

Those first five seconds were intense. The shock hits you, and your body’s first reaction is to hyperventilate. But then something interesting happened. As Brian coached me through it, I started to find control over my breath. Gradually, that panic faded, and I felt this surprising sense of calm settle in. It was like I could manufacture this imaginary warmth from within. I know it sounds a little crazy, but it’s real—you can truly harness the power of your mind in situations like that.

For over two minutes, I stayed in that water, calm and in control. No shivering, no gasping—just breathing through the cold. It was a huge moment for me because, at its core, it was about learning to manage both physical and mental reactions in a high-stress situation.

I went into this thinking it would be one of the hardest things I’d ever do, and I came out of it feeling empowered. In business and in life, we all face moments that test our patience, our confidence, and our resilience. We encounter challenges that can make us want to “get out” or give up. But what I learned in that cold plunge is that sometimes, if you just breathe, find calm, and keep going, you’ll surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.

Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, remember that you have tools within you—your breath, your focus, and your inner calm. That cold plunge was more than just a test of endurance. It was a reminder that even in the most uncomfortable moments, we can find strength if we choose to.

-Amanda