Psychologist Offers Four Skills to Combat Stress and Anxiety
A clinical psychologist in the United States is offering four skills to help people de-escalate stress and anxiety, including using cold water immersion to trigger the mammalian dive reflex.
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 20, 2026 —
A clinical psychologist in the United States is providing guidance on four techniques designed to help individuals manage and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Among the methods highlighted is the use of cold water immersion. This technique is intended to activate the mammalian dive reflex, a physiological response that can help to calm the nervous system.
The psychologist’s approach emphasizes practical skills that individuals can employ to de-escalate heightened emotional states. While the specific details of the other three skills were not provided in the summary, the focus remains on actionable strategies for stress reduction.
The mammalian dive reflex is a primitive response observed in mammals, including humans. When the face is exposed to cold water, the heart rate slows down, and blood is redirected from the extremities to vital organs. This physiological shift can lead to a feeling of calm and reduce the body’s stress response.
The psychologist’s overall strategy aims to equip individuals with a toolkit of coping mechanisms. Further information regarding the specific applications and the remaining three skills is not available at this time.
Story summarized from the original created by Marielle Segarra on www.npr.org, see more information here.
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