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Cold Joy: Experience the Wondrous Power of Cold Water
In this exhilarating guide to well-being, creative adventurer and wellness podcast host Libby DeLana illuminates the many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of cold water and explores how creating a daily cold plunging practice taught her self-love, courage, and resilience.
For most of her life, Libby DeLana believed she hated the cold—fear of cold became part of her identity. Then, in the midst of a period of deep personal inquiry, an impromptu dip in icy water cracked something open in her heart, forcing her to reexamine the limiting stories she told herself. If she could learn to love cold, what other beautiful life experiences might await?
In Cold Joy, an all-levels guide to cold plunging, DeLana shares her wisdom and expert guidance on how to create your own cold immersion practice for healing, joy, and self-discovery. It features simple-to-follow practices, personal storytelling, essential safety tips, and fascinating details on the science and history of cold immersion, providing everything you need to experience the tremendous power of cold water—whether dipping in a sea, lake, river, or tub.
Equal parts inspiring and instructive, and featuring breathtaking photographs throughout, this enriching guide is a must-have companion for anyone curious about cold plunging and a stirring call to open your heart to new adventures, new possibilities, and new joys.
POPULAR WELL-BEING Cold plunging has become a hugely popular trend in wellness, used for healing injuries, improving circulation, and decreasing stress. The #coldplunge hashtag has over 1 billion views on TikTok. DeLana shares her daily “cold plunge shenanigans” with her tens of thousands of Instagram followers and writes and speaks widely on the topic.
FOR EVERY SKILL A petite handbook-sized package filled with inspiring wisdom and step-by-step instructional tips, Cold Joy offers a highly accessible, budget-friendly approach to healing in nature—whether you are an experienced athlete, someone who enjoys wading in the water, or are curious about cold therapy. The practices can be done in a bathtub, cold pools, or natural bodies of water and require no experience.
A NEW For readers who enjoyed The Wim Hof Method and Blue Mind, DeLana offers a more personal, spiritual approach to the health and fitness practice of cold-water immersion, focusing on what cold can teach us about self-love, confidence, and inner healing. Cold Joy is for readers who love beautiful, mindful, nature-inspired books and tools for personal transformation, such as Libby DeLana’s Do Walk, Nature Meditations Deck, Why We Swim, and Forest Bathing.
Perfect
People interested cold plunging, optimizing, and the Wim Hof method
Meditators and mindfulness practitioners
People looking for natural methods for healing and stress-relief
Fans of the outdoors and forest bathing
Libby DeLana followers and listeners of This Morning Walk podcast
Fans of personal growth books on the power of rest and rejuvenation such as Wintering &l
For most of her life, Libby DeLana believed she hated the cold—fear of cold became part of her identity. Then, in the midst of a period of deep personal inquiry, an impromptu dip in icy water cracked something open in her heart, forcing her to reexamine the limiting stories she told herself. If she could learn to love cold, what other beautiful life experiences might await?
In Cold Joy, an all-levels guide to cold plunging, DeLana shares her wisdom and expert guidance on how to create your own cold immersion practice for healing, joy, and self-discovery. It features simple-to-follow practices, personal storytelling, essential safety tips, and fascinating details on the science and history of cold immersion, providing everything you need to experience the tremendous power of cold water—whether dipping in a sea, lake, river, or tub.
Equal parts inspiring and instructive, and featuring breathtaking photographs throughout, this enriching guide is a must-have companion for anyone curious about cold plunging and a stirring call to open your heart to new adventures, new possibilities, and new joys.
POPULAR WELL-BEING Cold plunging has become a hugely popular trend in wellness, used for healing injuries, improving circulation, and decreasing stress. The #coldplunge hashtag has over 1 billion views on TikTok. DeLana shares her daily “cold plunge shenanigans” with her tens of thousands of Instagram followers and writes and speaks widely on the topic.
FOR EVERY SKILL A petite handbook-sized package filled with inspiring wisdom and step-by-step instructional tips, Cold Joy offers a highly accessible, budget-friendly approach to healing in nature—whether you are an experienced athlete, someone who enjoys wading in the water, or are curious about cold therapy. The practices can be done in a bathtub, cold pools, or natural bodies of water and require no experience.
A NEW For readers who enjoyed The Wim Hof Method and Blue Mind, DeLana offers a more personal, spiritual approach to the health and fitness practice of cold-water immersion, focusing on what cold can teach us about self-love, confidence, and inner healing. Cold Joy is for readers who love beautiful, mindful, nature-inspired books and tools for personal transformation, such as Libby DeLana’s Do Walk, Nature Meditations Deck, Why We Swim, and Forest Bathing.
Perfect
People interested cold plunging, optimizing, and the Wim Hof method
Meditators and mindfulness practitioners
People looking for natural methods for healing and stress-relief
Fans of the outdoors and forest bathing
Libby DeLana followers and listeners of This Morning Walk podcast
Fans of personal growth books on the power of rest and rejuvenation such as Wintering &l
- GenresHealth
184 pages, Hardcover
Published October 14, 2025
6 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 13, 2025
Exquisite - the inspiration, photos, empowerment. I am still a cold dip wannabe. Nothing frightens me more than being cold, seriously why?! But I want to be Libby DeLana when I grow up. Everything - the adventure, the confidence in her own skin, the stunning white hair, the modeling career during her second act. Actually she’s only about 7 years older than me so I want to be her friend. I like to walk, I drink tea, I love birds, I am a fierce and loyal friend. What do you say Libby 😉 ? I guess I should start with hosting a book club around this title.
January 6, 2026
Inspiring! I’ve dipped twice this year!
September 27, 2025
I love the author's books and her newest is a perfect example of why, with its elegant prose and gorgeous photos. This lovely guide shares "the many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of cold water and explores how creating a daily cold plunging practice taught (the author) self-love, courage, and resilience." May even make me take the plunge!
December 9, 2025
Fabulous read! At times it felt like Libby took her with you in the water. Beautiful written.
May 17, 2025
Book Review of Cold Joy: Experience the Wondrous Power of Cold Water
Libby DeLana’s “Cold Joy: Experience the Wondrous Power of Cold Water” is a compelling and insightful exploration of the benefits and transformative power of cold water therapy. Through a combination of personal anecdotes, scientific research, and practical guidance, DeLana invites readers to experience the invigorating and rejuvenating effects of cold water immersion.
Key Strengths
-Engaging and Relatable Narrative: DeLana’s writing is engaging, relatable, and infused with a sense of enthusiasm and passion for the subject matter.
-Comprehensive Exploration of Cold Water Therapy: The book provides a thorough examination of the benefits and science behind cold water therapy, covering topics such as physical and mental well-being, stress reduction, and increased resilience.
-Practical Guidance and Tips: DeLana offers practical advice and tips for incorporating cold water therapy into daily life, making the book a valuable resource for readers looking to experience the benefits for themselves.
Potential Considerations
-Scientific Complexity: Some readers may find certain sections of the book to be dense with scientific information, which could be challenging to understand without a background in biology or physiology.
-Personal Bias: As with any personal narrative, some readers may be influenced by DeLana’s personal experiences and biases, which could impact their interpretation of the information presented.
Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Content Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) - The book provides a comprehensive exploration of cold water therapy, though some readers may find certain sections to be more dense or technical than others.
-Writing Style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) - DeLana’s writing is engaging, relatable, and infused with enthusiasm and passion for the subject matter.
-Practicality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) - The book offers practical advice and tips for incorporating cold water therapy into daily life, making it a valuable resource for readers.
-Inspiration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) - DeLana’s narrative is inspiring and motivational, encouraging readers to explore the benefits of cold water therapy for themselves.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) - A refreshing and invigorating exploration of the transformative power of cold water, inviting readers to experience the joy and benefits for themselves.
Overall Score Description: A chillingly beautiful journey into the world of cold water therapy, where the boundaries between body and mind are transformed.
Ideal Audience
-Readers interested in exploring alternative therapies and wellness practices.
-Individuals looking for a comprehensive guide to cold water therapy and its benefits.
-Anyone seeking to improve their physical and mental well-being through innovative and evidence-based approaches.
Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Libby DeLana for providing an advance review copy of “Cold Joy: Experience the Wondrous Power of Cold Water”.
Libby DeLana’s “Cold Joy: Experience the Wondrous Power of Cold Water” is a compelling and insightful exploration of the benefits and transformative power of cold water therapy. Through a combination of personal anecdotes, scientific research, and practical guidance, DeLana invites readers to experience the invigorating and rejuvenating effects of cold water immersion.
Key Strengths
-Engaging and Relatable Narrative: DeLana’s writing is engaging, relatable, and infused with a sense of enthusiasm and passion for the subject matter.
-Comprehensive Exploration of Cold Water Therapy: The book provides a thorough examination of the benefits and science behind cold water therapy, covering topics such as physical and mental well-being, stress reduction, and increased resilience.
-Practical Guidance and Tips: DeLana offers practical advice and tips for incorporating cold water therapy into daily life, making the book a valuable resource for readers looking to experience the benefits for themselves.
Potential Considerations
-Scientific Complexity: Some readers may find certain sections of the book to be dense with scientific information, which could be challenging to understand without a background in biology or physiology.
-Personal Bias: As with any personal narrative, some readers may be influenced by DeLana’s personal experiences and biases, which could impact their interpretation of the information presented.
Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Content Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) - The book provides a comprehensive exploration of cold water therapy, though some readers may find certain sections to be more dense or technical than others.
-Writing Style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) - DeLana’s writing is engaging, relatable, and infused with enthusiasm and passion for the subject matter.
-Practicality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) - The book offers practical advice and tips for incorporating cold water therapy into daily life, making it a valuable resource for readers.
-Inspiration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) - DeLana’s narrative is inspiring and motivational, encouraging readers to explore the benefits of cold water therapy for themselves.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) - A refreshing and invigorating exploration of the transformative power of cold water, inviting readers to experience the joy and benefits for themselves.
Overall Score Description: A chillingly beautiful journey into the world of cold water therapy, where the boundaries between body and mind are transformed.
Ideal Audience
-Readers interested in exploring alternative therapies and wellness practices.
-Individuals looking for a comprehensive guide to cold water therapy and its benefits.
-Anyone seeking to improve their physical and mental well-being through innovative and evidence-based approaches.
Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Libby DeLana for providing an advance review copy of “Cold Joy: Experience the Wondrous Power of Cold Water”.
November 3, 2025
As a cold water swimmer myself I enjoy reading about other people’s experiences. The author was very good about explaining the feelings she gets from her cold dipping. She also talks a lot about safety and preparation and explains what to expect. We differ a bit as I am more into actually swimming in the cold with my face in and she does not really address this much and it can be quite a different experience. It is nice to find other like minded people to do this with and glad to see she has found this wherever she travels.
June 8, 2025
Libby DeLana writes, "Our relationship with the cold is complicated. We huddle up, crank the heat, fly south like birds and butterflies for the winter. Our lore is filled with sinister ice queens, whipping winds, and blinding blizzards." But she also adds, "My story is different now. Cold is inviting and awakening. Cold is a teacher and a friend. It has been a steady companion, a precious gift, a truth-teller, and an agent of change."
With open and honest essays of her experiences paired with bold full-color, full-page photographs and hints of history and personal lessons, this gorgeous book is simply lovely.
DeLana's prose is like beautiful poetry. "I spent the first days of December 2023 tucked into the contours of this magical Wabanaki land, dancing down the trail with six mermaids searching for a perfect pool of water. Contrary to popular belief, mermaids make excellent hikers."
Immensely readable, like a conversation with a likeable companion. (Her water-themed playlist is fun.) And quotable. I enjoyed these pages.
"The water is where my soul is anchored. And really, that's all I ever needed to know."
With open and honest essays of her experiences paired with bold full-color, full-page photographs and hints of history and personal lessons, this gorgeous book is simply lovely.
DeLana's prose is like beautiful poetry. "I spent the first days of December 2023 tucked into the contours of this magical Wabanaki land, dancing down the trail with six mermaids searching for a perfect pool of water. Contrary to popular belief, mermaids make excellent hikers."
Immensely readable, like a conversation with a likeable companion. (Her water-themed playlist is fun.) And quotable. I enjoyed these pages.
"The water is where my soul is anchored. And really, that's all I ever needed to know."
December 12, 2025
I loved this book even though I have no interest in immersing in freezing water. The writing wears the camouflage of polar plunging, but really this is a self-help book about responding to hard times with personal growth.
Yes, the photos and content are obviously about chilly dippers, and the experience of immersing in lakes, rivers, oceans, even wintertime backyard tubs. The exhilaration, the sensation, the affirming experience of the body's power, they're written like an advertisement for December swims. The book is full of practical advice about how to have these adventures in a safe and fulfilling way.
That would be enough. But there is a subtext throughout. The author's career and marriage crumbled at nearly the same time. What she did was find a supportive community, a shared experience, a means of reclaiming herself and relearning her powers. It's not front and center, but works more like a thread through all the cold water talk.
She could have been writing about long distance skating, or marathon running, or yoga for hundreds of days in a row -- all sorts of paths -- as long as they were done in a welcoming, non-competitive and mutually supportive community. This book may inspire you to try cold swims. But in a time of a somewhat whiny culture, Cold Joy suggests the best warmth happens during exertions with fellow travelers with a common purpose -- an uplifting message for sure.
Yes, the photos and content are obviously about chilly dippers, and the experience of immersing in lakes, rivers, oceans, even wintertime backyard tubs. The exhilaration, the sensation, the affirming experience of the body's power, they're written like an advertisement for December swims. The book is full of practical advice about how to have these adventures in a safe and fulfilling way.
That would be enough. But there is a subtext throughout. The author's career and marriage crumbled at nearly the same time. What she did was find a supportive community, a shared experience, a means of reclaiming herself and relearning her powers. It's not front and center, but works more like a thread through all the cold water talk.
She could have been writing about long distance skating, or marathon running, or yoga for hundreds of days in a row -- all sorts of paths -- as long as they were done in a welcoming, non-competitive and mutually supportive community. This book may inspire you to try cold swims. But in a time of a somewhat whiny culture, Cold Joy suggests the best warmth happens during exertions with fellow travelers with a common purpose -- an uplifting message for sure.
November 17, 2025
After a hike early in the summer, I sunk my foot into a mountain stream hoping for relief from the hours spent climbing rock-strewn trails. The immediate sensation was that a lightening bolt had blown off my foot. Not to be dramatic here, but water that cold isn’t refreshing! It was a teaching moment, perhaps, in a similar vein as DeLana describes in this book—an encounter with cold water can be life changing. In my case, it was a lesson to never disrespect the power of freezing water. It bears the strength of lightening bolts and volcanos, despite the lovely innocence its crystalline depths might otherwise promise. The same can be said for DeLana’s lesson, but hers takes a positive turn. She doesn’t side-eye bodies of water in winter, she dives in. She and her friend were walking the beach one day and, on a whim, stripped down and plunged into the water. This would be the beginning of something positive for her, and she would do it again and again. Cold Joy is a book about how a seemingly crazy challenge to oneself can be life changing and community building. I dare not suggest I will go down the road she did, but I’ll admit I fell down a rabbit hole reading blogs about this hobby.
Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for providing this eARC.
October 14, 2025
This is such a gorgeous book - it'll be a challenge to condense all of my thoughts and feelings into a coherent review.
First, it is graphic poetry.
The book design itself is artful. The photos, the text layout, the freaking' ink color!!!! It's so carefully crafted one can't but share in the author's joy in her creative play.
Second, it textual poetry.
OMG - Welcome... "The invitation was made with so much kindness and care, I was almost too bashful to accept it." I get it - I've been in that space with nature, and I get it. While the author would cringe at the mere suggestion of being read alongside Mary Oliver, the text acutally reminds me of Mary's work. It's humble, it's true, it's vulnerable... it's poetry!
Third, it is most definitely an invitation -- and a very joyful one!!!
The author most definitely shares her personal experience with care and kindness... and she invites the reader to consider their own relationship to a daily practice, to their desire to dive in, to exploring, to testing, to growing and learning... to unlearning. It is full of wisdom, and it is offered generously, humbly, simply. A gift.
First, it is graphic poetry.
The book design itself is artful. The photos, the text layout, the freaking' ink color!!!! It's so carefully crafted one can't but share in the author's joy in her creative play.
Second, it textual poetry.
OMG - Welcome... "The invitation was made with so much kindness and care, I was almost too bashful to accept it." I get it - I've been in that space with nature, and I get it. While the author would cringe at the mere suggestion of being read alongside Mary Oliver, the text acutally reminds me of Mary's work. It's humble, it's true, it's vulnerable... it's poetry!
Third, it is most definitely an invitation -- and a very joyful one!!!
The author most definitely shares her personal experience with care and kindness... and she invites the reader to consider their own relationship to a daily practice, to their desire to dive in, to exploring, to testing, to growing and learning... to unlearning. It is full of wisdom, and it is offered generously, humbly, simply. A gift.
December 7, 2025
As a cold water enthusiast this is a lovely book - lovely pictures and some inspiring words.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews