AN 18-year-old from Ellesmere Port has decided to give himself 'cold water therapy' for 60 days straight to show people the benefits and results that it brings.

Sean Hughes, from Ellesmere Port, went through an extremely tough time at school, suffering from poor mental health for around five years.

Speaking to the Globe, Sean said: "My mental health has been really bad over the past few years. I've not been looking after myself at all and this year I wanted to make some big changes."

Sean has changed his diet, losing 40lbs so far, and now works for a nutrition company. He has also introduced 'cold water therapy' into his daily routine and has decided to have an ice bath for 60 days straight while documenting it on social media.

What is cold water therapy?

Cold water therapy is the practice of using water that’s 15°C or less to treat health conditions or stimulate health benefits. It’s also known as cold hydrotherapy.

It can involve taking an ice bath, a cold shower or having an outdoor swim for a few minutes at a time.

Bupa UK reported the benefits of cold water therapy in June 2022 and they include:

  • Reducing muscle pain and stiffness after exercise, by reducing swelling and inflammation
  • Improving risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels
  • Boosting the immune system, helping to lower the risk of infection
  • Improving general well-being, and possibly helping with depression 

Sean added: "The reason I've decided to do these ice baths is that I have tried a lot of things for my mental health and none of it in the long run has helped me.

"I started doing 30 seconds to a minute of cold showers and the results of that were unreal. I was up and happier, with lots more energy."

Sean has bought himself an ice bath to put in his garden where he will endure the cold every day.

He began his 60 days of ice baths on Monday (February 13) and will be posting his journey daily on Facebook through videos.

Sean said: "The reason I'm posting it is that I really want to bring everyone on board, to show people you can make that switch and it is easy.

"On the first day, I didn't really speak as I was freezing but as I go I'll be talking more, and telling people to reach out to me if they want to.

"The benefits of it are huge and I want to share it with everyone as well as do it for myself."

To see more about Sean's journey, visit https://www.facebook.com/seam.hughe.