COLD WATER THERAPY

Ruth Smith • August 13, 2024

Hello! Truthfully, I’m not too sure where to start since this is my first ‘proper’ blog post, but someone I know suggested that I start writing to document my cold-water therapy workshops journey as this is something I’m creating at the moment. To be totally authentic, English and word-finding aren’t a strong point of mine, so I will be using a little bit of magic to help me out with some parts. 


First a little bit about me, my name is Ruth Smith, and I am ‘The Feel Amazing Therapist’ a life coach and therapist based in Marske, my passion is changing people’s lives and ensuring they feel amazing by clearing the s**t from the past and providing tools to move forward. Although I do have a counselling qualification, I am very different from a counsellor, a client will never leave my office in a state of upset, they leave knowing they are amazing with tasks to do to help achieve their goal.

I do, however, offer so much more than life coaching and therapy! Whilst I do offer one-to-one sessions focused on personal growth and overcoming challenges, I offer a holistic approach which makes my services so unique. I incorporate a bunch of different workshops that explore everything from cultivating positivity to the art of manifesting your own dreams. And now, I’m excited to start something that has profoundly impacted my own life, cold water therapy. 


I haven’t mentioned that I have Multiple Sclerosis, and I've experienced first-hand the benefits of cold-water immersion, whether it's sea swimming, cold water plunges, or cascading into a waterfall, the cold water has become a vital part of my wellness routine. It helps with both my pain and mental health. There is nothing better when you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed to physically feel the emotions disappear into the cold water. It’s more than just a physical practice though it's a way to reconnect with nature, push personal boundaries, and find strength you never knew you had.


When I talk to people about my passion for cold water swimming, there is always a mix of curiosity and fear. Everyone is intrigued by the idea but hesitant about the cold, the sea, or even the thought of stepping into swimwear. This is why I’m launching workshops on cold water therapy, I will help clients every step of the way, from giving them the confidence to go in, to talking them through the breathing exercises needed before and during a dip. 

Cold water therapy isn’t just about ‘taking a dip’ - it’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and into a world of new possibilities and a fresh mindset to go along with it. Whether you’re battling a chronic condition like MS, or simply looking for a way to challenge yourself, I can’t even begin to describe the mental and physical benefits that I’ve already seen in my own practices. 


So here I am, a girl (I use the term loosely… I am 51) with a cold water tub, a sauna/steam tent, an overgrown garden, and an idea! 


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