Cold Water, Warm Sun & Old Beliefs: A Personal Reflection on Cold Exposure.

Yesterday, I had an urge to go for a cold swim. Since it was fairly warm outside (around 20°C), I assumed the lake water would be fresh but not too cold. The place was empty when I arrived, and the water was beautifully clear. Small waves chase each other on the surface, and sparrows fly closer to the water to catch their early dinner.

As I swam, I could feel swirls of warmer and colder currents moving around me — a truly invigorating sensation. While I was in the water, an elderly gentleman with two hiking sticks stopped nearby and waved. He asked me how the water was and if it wasn't too cold.

I told him, "It's cooler but really refreshing."

Then he asked if I go swimming in the winter, too.

I replied yes… which wasn't entirely true. I've only done a cold dip in winter a few times — and never in this lake. But I plan to start coming here every winter... so the intention is there, right? 😅

Now that I've said it aloud, I suppose I have to go!

When I got out of the water, I just stood there, soaking up the sun while the cooler breeze dried my skin. That slight post-swim shiver is so energising. As I stood, thoughts swirled around in my head, like the water around me minutes earlier.

Cold Is Relative: The Curious Contrast Between Cultures

It struck me how differently people respond to temperature. 20°C here in Slovakia is considered too cold for many to swim in, while in the UK, that's nice and warm, summer-like — and people break out the shorts, flip-flops, and BBQs.

That also made me think of the time John and I went to Egypt, and afterwards, I spoke to my mum, and she said: What was the weather like? I said lovely, nice and hot, but not too hot. She said: Because my colleague went, and she said it was cold... only about 25°C Me: Yes, it was about 25°C lol

And I also started thinking about how I've changed over the years.

Why I Started Cold Exposure

A few years ago, I began taking cold showers — slowly, step by step. First, just my legs. Then my arms. That phase lasted a long time. Eventually, I worked up to full-body showers. Brrr!

And now if, for some reason, I skip my morning cold shower, I miss it.

If I remember correctly, it started as some kind of challenge on Instagram. But deep down, I also didn't want to be the person who's always cold — like my mum, like my nan… like I used to be. The one shivering at every breeze, layering up for every draft, always avoiding the cold.

I wanted to free myself from that programming.

If you're from Central or Eastern Europe (or even the Balkans - as I saw on Insta), this might sound familiar:

You'll catch a cold if:

• You sit on concrete ( in our family, on any floor, even carpeted!)
• You drink water with ice!
• You go out with wet hair! (Even when you dry your hair, wait before leaving the house!)
• It's windy, and you don't cover your head and neck.
• If you walk barefoot.

When I was little, I was often sick, catching every bug. My mum did her best to protect me: more layers, warm drinks, and strict rules about cold. I couldn't even eat ice cream unless it was at the seaside — or melted at home (blah)

I understand now. She did the best she knew.

I can still hear my nan saying: "Put on a hat! Take a scarf !" Even in summer.

Exposure to Other Cultures Changed Me

I remember being in Paris at 16, in February or March. I saw women in winter coats but barefoot in their shoes. I thought they looked so cool, but aren't they worried they will catch a cold?

Then I moved to the UK — another level entirely!

As soon as the sun comes out, people shed their layers. If the sun is out in early spring, it's shorts and t-shirts, while I am still wrapped up like a winter burrito.

Once, we took John's little girls swimming. They quickly towelled their hair in the changing room, skipped the hair dryer, and just… left. With wet hair! In autumn!

When I told John they might catch a cold, he looked at me puzzled: Why? How?

That was the first time I truly questioned my beliefs.

It still took me over a decade to begin breaking those old "cold = bad" habits.

Cold Water, Warm Strength

Now, I enjoy a cold drink. I'll sit on the ground if I want to. I'll go outside with wet hair if I feel like it — and it's so liberating.

Yes, I still prefer warmth.

But I love the spark of adrenaline and the refreshing shiver that comes with cold exposure. It reminds me that I'm alive and that I'm strong.

That I choose my response.

That said, I still don't love the cold, damp English winter... but hey, progress is progress 😄

What Generational Beliefs Have You Broken?

We all carry inherited beliefs — some serve us, others quietly limit us.

Breaking them takes time, courage, and intention.

What's something you were raised to believe but have since outgrown?

Jitka xx