Sara Marín Berbell, PhD: "When we put our face in cold water, the main calming system is activated."

Applying cold water to the body can be an effective strategy for reducing anxiety and calming the nervous system . This is explained by Dr. Sara Marín Berbell , a physician specializing in microbiota, who highlights the power of cold water as an accessible and natural technique for mitigating the effects of an emotional crisis. Rather than the automatic use of drugs, Marín advocates for tools that allow for more conscious and physical management of emotions.

When the body receives bad news or experiences a sudden stressful situation , it enters a state of alarm. At that moment, the senses activate a chain of internal responses centered on the amygdala , a brain structure that, according to Marín, " is the dramatist of the group and the one that activates your body's alert system ." This causes intense reactions: sweating, rapid heart rate, stomach pressure, and even intestinal disturbances .

Applying cold can help you relax. “When we put our face or body in cold water, the head of the calming system, called the vagus nerve, is activated,” notes the doctor. This nerve, which runs through much of the body, helps slow the heart rate and reduce the feeling of threat that activates the sympathetic nervous system.

Furthermore, its activation not only promotes physical relaxation but also allows for the recovery of mental clarity. "The leader activates the centeredness of the group and is the most logical of all, helping you see things in perspective and find solutions ," explains Marín Berbell. This physiological reaction generates an emotional containment effect without the need for immediate resorting to pharmacological treatments.

Three techniques to calm the body

To take advantage of the benefits of cold, the specialist suggests three simple methods that can be applied at home. The first option is to place a cold compress on the face , especially on the forehead, under the eyes, or on the neck. This targeted action can provide almost immediate relief in stressful situations.

Another alternative is to immerse your face in water at a temperature of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius for about 30 seconds. This technique, although intense, is especially effective in dramatically interrupting the anxiety cycle. Finally, Marín recommends ending your shower with cold water for 30 to 60 seconds , a measure that can easily be integrated into your daily routine.

The doctor insists that these practices do not replace medical treatment when necessary, but they can serve as a first step toward regaining control in times of emotional dysregulation. " If instead of starting with pills, we begin with techniques that help us manage our emotions ," she says, it is possible to reduce dependence on external solutions and learn to listen to what the body needs.