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When Ysabela David first got into a tub of ice as part of a polar plunge with her business class, her first feeling was shock.

“Every part of my body was screaming at me to jump out,” she said.

But, she didn’t.

Instead, she told herself, “You can do this,” and “You deserve to succeed.”

That, coupled with the support of her professor, her peers, and the cold plunge team, helped David, 20, stay submerged in the ice cold water for two minutes.

The experience was life-changing.

“It made me realize that I was capable of stepping out of my comfort zone in a way I didn’t think was possible – I came out a different person,” she said.

David’s experience was part of an optional cold exposure therapy workshop for students in the course, Interpersonal Dynamics and Teams, taught by Ted Rogers School of Management (TRSM) professor Ellen Choi.

Its purpose? To strengthen resilience, self-control, self-awareness and more.

The experience is part of a new approach to learning across Toronto Metropolitan University — to incorporate mental health and well-being into the curriculum to strengthen students’ ability to thrive.

Finding comfort outside the comfort zone

Choi introduced the cold plunge experience to her students last fall, with the most recent “dip” taking place on October 16 and 17 at TMU’s Urban Farm, located on a campus rooftop.

To hold the event, Choi teams up with the wellness company, Unbounded (external link) . She says the icy endeavor helps students develop the ability to persevere in challenging circumstances.

“When we expose ourselves to discomfort on purpose, we increase our tolerance to stress and enhance our ability to adapt,” said Choi. “Ideally, this experience helps students so that the next time a difficult situation arises, they realize they have the skills to regulate their thoughts, feelings, and behavior.”

Participating in the plunge provides a range of benefits, including enhanced stress management skills, improved self-control, the ability to empower and engage others, lead positive change, build effective teams and more – all while in a demanding situation.

Choi adds that cold exposure increases dopamine release, “which supports goal-directed behavior and enhances mood”. It also increases epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline), which lifts energy and enhances focus.