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Embracing resilience: How cold showers can help entrepreneurs find purpose and thrive

Resilience is a term that often gets thrown around, whether in relation to Gen Z, who are reportedly facing more challenges to happiness than previous generations, or entrepreneurs striving to build and eventually exit their businesses. For Gen Z, the pressures of managing their reputation through modern technology from such a young age can be daunting. For entrepreneurs, the path to success can be fraught with challenges, making #resilience a crucial trait.

As parents, we constantly think about building resilience in our children —from teaching them to handle losing at sports day to navigating the long summer holidays without meltdowns (on both sides!). But resilience isn’t just for kids. Entrepreneurs, too, need to cultivate this trait to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

So how does one of the latest crazes for cold showers help us to build our resilience and why is this important?

As someone who starts every day with an icy blast , I can attest to its benefits. Cold exposure forces you to maintain mental clarity and calm while your body is under stress. This practice translates into a powerful mental shift, equipping you to handle whatever challenges come your way.

A freezing cold shower may not sound like an attractive prospect first thing in the morning. After all, most of us relish a toasty warm shower to ease us out of our slumber and get us ready for the day. But with the prospect of glossier hair and improved immune system and well as the energy it gives me throughout the day is worth the icy cold blast.

By voluntarily facing discomfort, you can certainly build mental and physical resilience. This practice helps you become more adaptable and better equipped to handle unexpected challenges.

For #entrepreneurs, the benefits of cold showers extend beyond personal health. The mental discipline required to endure cold exposure can translate into business acumen. When you train yourself to stay calm under physical stress, you become better at managing stress in other areas of life, including business.

Inspired by #WimHof, the “Iceman,” who advocates cold exposure for its myriad benefits, I’ve found that the boost of alertness from a cold shower enhances my passion and creativity as well as enabling me to stay balanced and thoughtful for Six Degrees and raising a family. This isn’t about following a trend; it’s about making a deliberate choice to build resilience.

Resilience isn’t just the ‘in’ word; it’s essential for handling the ups and downs of modern life, especially for entrepreneurs. Whether it’s dealing with the pressures faced by Gen Z or the relentless challenges of building and exiting a business, resilience is key. Cold showers offer a simple yet effective way to build this crucial trait. By embracing discomfort, we can train our minds and bodies to stay strong, focused, and ready to tackle whatever comes our way.

So, the next time you’re gearing up for a warm shower, consider turning the dial to cold. Embrace the icy blast, and remember that each moment of discomfort is a step towards greater resilience and mental strength.

 

 

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