What would compel someone to strip down to a swimsuit in the dead of winter and dive into the freezing Atlantic Ocean? For some, it’s a ritual, a challenge, and a celebration all rolled into one.
While many people choose to cozy up in the cold winter months with their favorite blanket and drink delicious hot cocoa, some people embrace the cold completely like long-time “Polar Bear Plunger” and founder of Source Of Sources, Peter Shankman.
Shankman has been participating in the Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge for over a decade, and it’s a cornerstone of his New Year’s tradition. What started as a “crazy idea” turned into something much deeper. “I thrive on new experiences and challenging myself,” he shares. “Whether it’s running marathons, jumping out of airplanes, or diving into the Atlantic in the dead of winter, I’m drawn to anything that breaks from the ordinary. The plunge is the perfect way to start the year feeling alive, awake, and ready to tackle anything.”
What’s The Deal With The Polar Plunge?
If you are unfamiliar with the Polar Plunge, let us give you the deets. The oldest documented event happened in 1904 in Boston, Massachusetts on New Year’s Day. However, the cold-water bathing practice precedes what has become a charitable event.
Long before polar plunges became a modern tradition, Indigenous Americans practiced cold-water immersion (cryotherapy) for spiritual, physical, and cultural purposes that include:
- Healing and Purification- Cold water was believed to cleanse the body and spirit, restoring balance.
- Spiritual Renewal- Some tribes used immersion to connect with the spirit world and gain guidance.
- Physical Endurance- Warriors and hunters used cold water therapy to build flexibility and strength.
- Pain Relief- Cold water was used to alleviate pain and inflammation.
Mindfulness In The Cold
Jasmine Charbonier, founder of YourTampaBestie.com, is no stranger to the thrill of cold-water challenges. As a travel blogger and swimming enthusiast who has explored over 100 countries, Charbonier credits these experiences with transforming her mindfulness practice.
“I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression, and mindfulness has been a game-changer for me,” she shares. “Cold-water challenges like the Polar Plunge are an amazing way to practice being present. The shock of the cold demands your full attention, pulling you out of your head and into the moment.”
She adds combining mindfulness with physical challenges is a powerful way to reset and recharge. “It’s not just about the plunge itself,” she says. “It’s about the preparation, the reflection afterward, and the shared experience with others.”
“It’s intimidating, even a little crazy on the surface,” Shankman admits. But he’s quick to highlight the rewards. “The sense of accomplishment afterward is incredible. Jumping into that water is like hitting a mental reset button. You prove to yourself that you can do something most people wouldn’t even attempt, and that boost of self-confidence is priceless.”
Charbonier also highlights the parallels between mindfulness and the sense of accomplishment Shankman describes. “Both involve facing discomfort and coming out stronger on the other side. Cold-water dives or cryotherapy teach you resilience, which carries over into every aspect of life.”
It’s A Movement
Shankman also emphasizes the communal aspect. “It’s more than just a swim—it’s a community event. Everyone’s cheering you on. You’re not just taking a plunge; you’re joining a tribe of people who believe in pushing past comfort zones.”
If you’re intrigued by the idea but held back by fear of the cold, Shankman has some sage advice. “Embrace the anticipation rather than fear it. The cold is temporary—truly. The build-up in your head is often worse than the experience itself.”
He also offers practical tips:
- Go with friends or connect with regulars: “The camaraderie makes a huge difference.”
- Dress smart: “Have warm, cozy clothes ready for afterward.”
- Focus on the mental win: “Once you do it, you’ll realize the limits you set in your mind aren’t as rigid as you thought. You’ll feel invincible and ready to take on the year.”
The Health Perks Of Cold Water Therapy
Over the years, Shankman has noticed significant benefits from this chilly tradition. “There’s a serious rush of feel-good hormones, like dopamine, that lasts for hours afterward. It leaves me feeling happier, more energized, and oddly relaxed,” he notes.
He also credits the practice of cryotherapy with experiencing fewer sick days. “I’ve been getting fewer colds, which I think might be related to these dives,” he explains. But for Shankman, the real payoff is in the mindset. “Every plunge reinforces the idea that I can handle whatever comes my way, no matter how uncomfortable it might seem.”
Not Ready For The Big Dive? Start Small!
So, if you’re curious about the Polar Bear Plunge or cryotherapy, we recommend you try it at home before making the big dive. Here are a few cold therapy tubs that you can do at home:
Lumizone Inflatable Cold Plunge Tub
Cold Plunge Tub for Athletes
Why You Should Take The Plunge
Whether you’re diving into the Atlantic or starting at home with a cold tub, stepping out of your comfort zone can be life-changing. Shankman and Charbonier prove that embracing discomfort leads to growth, confidence, and even joy.
So, what’s stopping you? Dive in—literally and figuratively—and discover a stronger, braver you.
