This year has started in an incredible way: 2 of the most important German TV channels have released two documentaries in which I have participated, sharing my journey of going out of my comfort zone to unlock my potential. Alongside experts and scientists, we explore the power of motivation and the power of the cold.
I invite you to check them out; we share fascinating insights supported by neurosciences. Here, I leave you a summary of each one and some pearls of what you would find in the documentary.
(Language: German)
Summary: How do you conquer your fears and accomplish more than you believe is possible? What psychological and physical role does motivation play? What happens in the brain, and how can we enhance intrinsic motivation to unfold our potential and attain self-actualization? Groundbreaking studies, narrated through Deniz Kayadelen's experiences as an extreme athlete, showcase the transformative power of intrinsic motivation in this ZDF-SAT documentary. Experts explore the intricate interplay of motivation, neuroscience, and self-actualization and how the human mind works when confronting fears and breaking habits.
Some insights of the documentary:
-About internal and external motivation: When you learn how to activate your internal motivation, there is nothing that can stop you. It’s important to break or stop the external pressure so you can activate your internal motivation.
-Most of the time, we are afraid of big goals because we think we can’t reach them. But the first step is having courage. When you have courage, even if you are not ready, even if the conditions are not perfect, and you make the decision to go forth, you are already one step ahead, and that starting point is the most important part of the road. Then, your mind and body will start searching for a solution. As a domino effect, you only need to take the first step and all the rest will start falling down.
(Language: German)
Summary: Our body reacts immediately to cold. He knows: there is danger now. Because the brain and body only function optimally when maintaining a core temperature of around 37°C. Nevertheless, cold can also be good. It can help physical regeneration, even heal, and make us fitter and stronger. But how much cold is right? How can we get used to them? And should we all use them?
The ARD documentary explores the impact of cold water on the body. Alongside valuable cold water experts and professors, Deniz Kayadelen shares her journey with the cold step by step and explains how to acclimatize to it. Showing her adaptation from hypothermia to becoming a world champion in ice swimming.
Insights of the documentary:
Some benefits of cold water:
Reduced Stress Levels: Cold showers induce a manageable amount of stress on the body, leading to a process called hardening. This helps the nervous system adapt to moderate stress levels, promoting increased calmness in stressful situations.
Higher Level of Alertness: Cold showers wake up the body, promoting alertness and stimulating deeper breaths. This decreases carbon dioxide levels, enhancing concentration, focus, energy levels, and mental resilience.
More Robust Immune Response: Scientific studies indicate that cold showers increase white blood cell count, strengthening the body's defense against diseases. This may be linked to an increased metabolic rate, contributing to improved overall strength.
Increased Willpower: Enduring cold showers requires mental strength, contributing to the strengthening of willpower, which can benefit various aspects of daily life.
Weight Loss: Research suggests that cold showers can increase metabolic rate and promote the generation of brown fat, aiding in weight loss. Exposure to cold also contributes to a more refreshed and toned body, with increased muscle and improved posture.
Increase of brown fat: more common in babies, this kind of fat protects the body from cold.
