**Why I created this challenge:

** Emerging research indicates that cold exposure, such as ice baths, may have significant effects on mental health. Studies suggest that it can reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress by stimulating the release of endorphins and norepinephrine. Social media buzz and personal anecdotes frequently highlight the mental clarity and emotional resilience gained through regular ice baths. Despite these claims, empirical evidence is limited and often anecdotal. This protocol aims to bridge the gap between folklore and science by rigorously assessing the impact of daily ice baths on mental health metrics like General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and perceived stress levels using NIH Toolbox® over a 30-day period. It's crucial to run this study to validate these claims and potentially offer a viable alternative therapy for mental health improvement. **My Objective for You:** This challenge is designed to give you firsthand experience with ice baths and their potential mental health benefits. Over the next 30 days, you'll help us explore the scientific basis behind the claims that cold exposure can reduce anxiety and stress. Your participation will contribute to valuable data that could validate an alternative therapy for mental health. **Aims & Objectives:** This study aims to determine whether daily ice baths can significantly reduce anxiety and stress levels in adults over a 30-day period. Our objective is to measure changes in General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scores and NIH Toolbox® Perceived Stress scores from baseline to endpoint. **Significance & Impact:** This challenge could significantly impact the field of mental health by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of ice baths as an alternative therapy. Expected outcomes include a reduction in anxiety and stress levels among participants. However, limitations include individual tolerance to cold and adherence to daily protocols. Your participation will help us generate data that could lead to new, accessible treatments for mental health improvement.