Healing Waters: Swimming, Floating and Cold Plunge for Self Care

This summer, some my favorite self-care practices have revolved around water.

What can I say? I'm a true Pisces at heart. ;)

These are 3 of my favorite ways to soak and swim my way to relaxation.

A Dip in the Creek

Local swimming holes are such a fun, adventurous way to ground your energy and clear negativity. I love hiking out to local places, adventuring and exploring, and feeling like a little kid. Cooling off in the creek mid or post-trail run is also a great way to make long distance runs more enjoyable. Chico's Upper Park and the Paradise area have great swimming holes, and I’ve also been enjoying the Feather River, Sacramento River and Yuba River. Beautiful!

Sensory Deprivation Float Therapy

I float regularly and absolutely love the sense of peace and calm it brings me. Sensory deprivation float pods are filled with so much epsom salt that your entire body floats, and the zero-gravity environment helps your body completely let go and relax. The high level of magnesium always helps me reduce muscle soreness and stiffness, too. The meditative aspect of this self-care practice is extremely beneficial to me and I have found it to be deeply nourishing to my nervous system too.

I’m a big fan of True Rest Chico — they have incredible facilities and the most kind, generous staff members who really make each visit feel like a special occasion. I love using the oxygen bar after a float and they have different essential oil scents you can choose from. So divine!

Spa, Sauna, Steam and Cold Plunge

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Asha Urban Baths in Sacramento and I’m a huge fan! This amazing healing spa has various pools where you can lounge and soak, sauna, steam room and cold plunge. Alternating the heat and cold is very beneficial to the body and can help reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, improve your mood, and even stabilize blood pressure.

I also love visiting hot springs and highly recommend checking out ones where they have these options to alternate hot water with the cold.

Are you swimming this summer season?

Wishing you a peaceful week ahead. Keep taking gentle care of yourselves, my friends. Much love.