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In general, I agree. But most recently, there's one thing that's not (for me, at least) getting easier despite doing it every day: cold water exposure. I'm som

In general, I agree. But most recently, there's one thing that's not (for me, at least) getting easier despite doing it every day: cold water exposure. I'm someone who HATES HATES HATES cold temperature. Once, while camping in one of the Californian mountains during winter about 8 years ago, I couldn't stand the cold and I ended up stuffing heated hand-warmers in both of my shoes...accidentally fell asleep and woke up blistered feet. Anyways, starting July 2022 (a little over six months ago), I started cold water exposure. Every morning, as early as 4:30 am, I would force myself to hop in the shower and blast myself with cold water for at least 3 minutes. Sometimes 4 minutes. Now, I've been doing this consistently, every day, since then, and .... it's not getting easier. I still hate it. Every time. But I still do it, every day. But no, definitely not getting "better" at it, I don't think.

smokel 4y ago
Interesting experiment. How do you feel after or during the three minutes? Would you describe the experience as rewarding? If not, perhaps you could change something in or after the routine to create a positive feedback?
- itsmemattchung 4y ago
  During the 3 minutes: mildly physically painful and mentally challenged. After, though, very rewarding — the adrenaline helps wake me up and helps me transition fairly quickly into a state of focus. > If not, perhaps you could change something in or after the routine to create a positive feedback? You're probably right: I probably need to start incorporating some better breathing techniques (e.g. Wim Hof).
  - TedDoesntTalk 4y ago
    > Wim Hof Came here to suggest him to you. First i read his book, and used the technique there. It’s described in a page or two; you don’t have to read the whole book unless you want to). Now I use his phone app. He also has YouTube videos but I haven’t watched them. Anyway, his breathing technique really helped me. I have not done cold baths yet, just showers, but it’s been 2 years and I can take a cold shower of any duration now. Started at 10 seconds! The breathing technique can take 20 minutes so if I’m in a hurry, I skip it and seem to do ok anyway. Not sure how or why, but maybe just by habit.
hrnnnnnn 4y ago
Are you focusing your attention on the feeling of the cold water on your skin, or are you trying to distract yourself from it?

smokel 4y ago

Interesting experiment. How do you feel after or during the three minutes? Would you describe the experience as rewarding? If not, perhaps you could change something in or after the routine to create a positive feedback?

itsmemattchung 4y ago
During the 3 minutes: mildly physically painful and mentally challenged. After, though, very rewarding — the adrenaline helps wake me up and helps me transition fairly quickly into a state of focus. > If not, perhaps you could change something in or after the routine to create a positive feedback? You're probably right: I probably need to start incorporating some better breathing techniques (e.g. Wim Hof).
- TedDoesntTalk 4y ago
  > Wim Hof Came here to suggest him to you. First i read his book, and used the technique there. It’s described in a page or two; you don’t have to read the whole book unless you want to). Now I use his phone app. He also has YouTube videos but I haven’t watched them. Anyway, his breathing technique really helped me. I have not done cold baths yet, just showers, but it’s been 2 years and I can take a cold shower of any duration now. Started at 10 seconds! The breathing technique can take 20 minutes so if I’m in a hurry, I skip it and seem to do ok anyway. Not sure how or why, but maybe just by habit.

hrnnnnnn 4y ago

Are you focusing your attention on the feeling of the cold water on your skin, or are you trying to distract yourself from it?