My Latest Wellness Obsession

Over the past year, I’ve become obsessed with sauna and cold plunging. Yes, I know it can be a little like Crossfit, how everyone into it seems to talk about it non-stop. But trust me, once you feel the high from it you probably will too.

It’s not just some new wellness trend - I feel like it’s sort of adaptogenic and able to address whatever issues you’re facing, and it’s deeply rooted in ancient traditions, which speaks volumes about its effectiveness. When it comes to my wellness routine, this has been a standout favorite for so many reasons.

I first dabbled in sauna and cold plunging as a post-bachelorette party detox. Little did I know, it would quickly turn into an essential part of my daily life. The benefits went far beyond detox - I noticed improvements in my sleep, energy levels, and stress reduction. It even provided relief from my autoimmune issues, and I haven't been sick since incorporating it regularly.

But, the impact of sauna and cold plunging was more profound during a critical phase of my life. I had been considering leaving my CFO position at the company that acquired Model Meals (the company I co-founded) and was feeling the stress of that decision.

With so much of my identity tied to the company I had been building for 7 years, I felt like I was losing a part of myself. Starting my days with a sauna and cold plunge helped ease the stress of this huge decision, and once I made the leap, it supported me on the following path to self-discovery.

I started sauna & cold plunging every night at The Ocean Lab in Austin, where I met an incredible community of conscious, open-minded people. I also met my current business partners there (our business idea was actually sparked in the sauna one night) and I developed a social life that wasn’t centered around alcohol. This experience allowed me to truly embrace wellness as a part of my lifestyle.

Now, I personally cold plunge almost every day, both in the morning after walking my dog and at night following my sauna session. But you don’t have to do it that often - studies show that all you need is just 11 minutes per week, split into multiple sessions to get substantial benefits.

I even bought a home cold plunge to cut down on the morning commute. I'm toying with the idea of getting a home sauna too, but I love the social interaction that comes with my evening sauna sessions.

I can't recommend sauna & cold plunging enough. For those interested in trying it out, start with a local spot that offers it. Where I go has an infrared sauna but I love traditional too. For anyone looking for a home setup, I’ve included research and tips in my posts.

Sauna & cold plunging have majorly impacted my life and is a daily practice I truly look forward to.