Exploring New Ways of Healing
When was the last time you tried something new?
As kids, we try new things all the time. Walking. Running. Riding a bike. If you were a curious child (or are raising one), you’ve witnessed the constant cycle of trying out something new. Whether it’s learning an instrument or starting a sport, there’s always something new to jump into.
This February, I tried something new. Not because I was particularly interested in it, but because I wanted to support a friend and her business.
That’s how I found myself sitting in 2-degree water. For 2 minutes.
My First Cold Plunge
You might be familiar with the Nordic-style hot/cold spas that are becoming more popular across Nova Scotia lately. Until that day, I hadn’t tried it. However, my best friend Leigh had, so I roped her in to do it with me.
When she picked me up, I told her I was 1/10 excited. It was already cold outside where the plunge tub would be set up, with snow on the ground around it. (Leigh admitted she was also a 1/10 excited, so we were in good company.)
Because it was my first time and the tub was big enough for both of us, we went in together. 3, 2, 1. Big inhale. Plunge on the exhale.
We kept our eyes closed the whole time, holding hands while “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” played in the background.
Our facilitator, Mandy, crouched beside the tub and guided us through the process like the pro she is. She calmly helped me find my breath after that first cold-shock inhale. Her voice was steady, reassuring. Before I knew it, she was saying “10 seconds left.” I was stunned. The time had flown.
What Came After
Getting out, I felt energized. I actually sat outside in the cold, wrapped in a cozy robe.
When other first-timers asked me how it was, I was honest: it was awful. But the awful only lasted 8 to 10 seconds. After that, you’re just… breathing.
During those deep inhales in the water, I could actually feel my core warming up. That surprised me.
Leigh and I headed inside for a warm drink and started chatting about the experience. We ended up talking to nearly everyone in the room, swapping stories and asking how it had gone for them. There was this palpable, buzzing energy. Like everyone’s nervous systems had woken up. It was really something.
I left that day feeling 9/10 excited to do it again. The missing 1? I knew there was more to learn. More to understand. And I was right, I’ve plunged a few more times since.
The Power of Trying Something New
Learning something new is a key part of building resilience. My nervous system doesn’t get much cold exposure. I live indoors. I curl up in cozy chairs. Especially in winter.
But that day in February? It taught me that I can push myself. I can overcome something hard. I can stress my system, and then recover. That’s powerful information to know about myself.
If you’re still reading, maybe you’re more drawn to the idea of trying something new than the idea of plunging into cold water. If that’s the case, I see you. Curiosity is a beautiful trait. In that way, we’re kindred spirits.
Why Cold Plunging?
My curiosity led me to learn more about cold therapy. I even did some training in breathwork—something that was missing from my first experience but is central to Mandy’s work at SerenDIP Therapy.
Here are some of the benefits of cold plunging (even just 2 minutes at a time):
Decrease in body inflammation and pain
Improvement in sleep quality
Improved metabolism (over time)
Psychological improvement (increase in dopamine and decrease in depression)
Increased creativity
These benefits stack with consistent practice over time. Cold plunging trains your nervous system to feel safe in both activation and rest, which I’ll be writing more about in May’s blog.
Then Add Breathwork
Breathwork and cold therapy go hand in hand, and there are many practitioners out there who pair breath work with cold therapy. The science is there to support the benefits of doing both and how the two complement one another when it comes to good overall health.
We all breathe. But how often do we pay attention to it?
If you follow me on social media, you’ve probably seen me talk about breath before. It’s a powerful tool for healing. A regular breathwork routine can:
Lower blood pressure
Strengthen your respiratory and immune systems
Reduce stress hormones
Improve focus
Ease symptoms of anxiety and depression (over time)
That said, breathwork isn’t something to dive into without support. Over-breathing or hyperventilating can have the opposite effect. That’s why training and guidance are so helpful, especially in the beginning.
What’s Next: A Day of Rest & Recovery
After that first plunge and many coffee chats, Mandy and I started dreaming up something together. A day-long retreat where people could explore nervous system healing in a safe, supported, and truly restorative way.
And now, it’s happening.
We’re hosting a one-day retreat focused on rest and recovery, where we’ll explore some of the core questions around nervous system health:
What does it mean to feel safe in my body?
How does my body feel when it’s relaxed?
Can I stay regulated during stress?
How does my breath support a sense of calm?
Together, we’ll engage in breathwork, guided visualization, and yes, cold plunging, if you feel called to try.
We’ll also be joined by a practitioner skilled in bodywork, supporting your body’s ability to feel grounded throughout the day.
The Details
Saturday, May 24th | 9 AM – 5 PM
The August House, Windsor, NS
Space is limited.
Trying new things has quietly become my favourite part of 2025. Maybe because I started the year with an unexpected injury—one that forced me to slow down and shift my intentions.
The first quarter of this year has been about regaining strength and flexibility. It took longer than I thought. But it also taught me how to adapt.
And now, I’m choosing curiosity. Maybe you are, too.