Jen: A New Way to Flow

“Flow” is term used in the field of positive psychology to describe the state of being fully immersed or engaged in a physical activity. I first learned about this concept in college, and while reading about it I realized that without knowing what it was called, I had experienced flow in an organic and unconscious way through sports. Whether playing team sports, swimming, running or skiing I regularly had moments of complete engagement with whatever activity I was doing, and it always made me feel free, grounded and happy, like the best possible version of myself.

After learning about the concept, I started assessing my experiences with flow. I noticed that, on average, about one in ten runs, or volleyball matches, or swims, would have true moments of flow, and that feeling would be pure magic: time would freeze and I would be immersed in my movements, with no other thoughts, completely engrossed in the moment. I also noticed that I only experienced flow when I had pushed beyond my physical or mental comfort level. But it wasn’t something I could force or try to duplicate – it always just happened organically.

When my friends started talking about the benefits of cold water immersion – how it gave them energy, kept them in the moment, made them feel grounded and improved their mental health – it sounded like they were experiencing “flow”. But I was skeptical – it seemed a bit extreme to jump in a frozen lake in winter. And why would I want to be cold and uncomfortable? 

Regardless, I did try outdoor cold water immersion a couple of times. The experience definitely gave me a rush, and I did feel grounded immediately afterwards. But I didn’t enjoy the process of having to drive to the lake, somehow get dry and warm again outdoors in winter, and then drive back home again. Even though I felt the immediate benefits, and experienced the feeling of flow that I loved, the logistical hassle kept me from making cold water immersion a regular practice.

Then I tried the using a purpose-built cold-water immersion tub. I managed one full minute in my first plunge, and it was a surreal experience: the water was unbearably, painfully, cold. But then time stopped, and about mid-way through my experience I started cackling uncontrollably. I had a moment of flow and then a rush of euphoric energy. I couldn’t believe how amazing I felt afterward — even the next day I was grounded, balanced and energized. And I did it all in the comfort of my own home – no shivering on a beach with my teeth chattering, and no time lost in driving there and back again.

After many years of chasing flow through physical activity, I have discovered a reliable and accessible way to experience flow on a regular basis. And while I am aware of the many health and performance benefits of regular cold water immersion, my goal is to make cold plunge a daily practice in the pursuit of flow.