The Neuroplasticity of Cold Plunges

I wanted to take conscious control over a subconscious instinctive response that my body has. I would inhale a deep bulb of air before going into the water, and then whenever I came out, I would release the air. Very slow and intentional breathing, even though everything inside of me instinctively wanted to breathe quickly and shallowly. So while I was breathing in this very cold water, sometimes out loud and sometimes just inside my mind, I was saying, I am comfortable being uncomfortable. The cold water was really uncomfortable. Nothing about it was fun or comfortable. But I was taking advantage of the neuroplasticity in my brain - our brain's capability to rewire neuronal pathways.