Despite the fact it was the height of winter, Sol Turk committed to plunging into the icy sea at Tynemouth beach every day for 100 days straight.

Inspired by Wim Hof – or better known as The Iceman – Sol embarked on a journey of self-care through cold water therapy and breathing exercises.

Beginning back in November, the former special forces officer recently completed the incredible challenge that changed his life.

Sol had been battling with his mental health, and after realising that going to the gym wasn’t a powerful enough tool to improve his state of mind, he decided to take a leaf out of Hof’s book.

He said: “It’s amazing. Changed me completely into a different person. Very positive. Happy. Open goal every day. Full of energy. More control in my life. And clear vision – no clouds, no negativity.”

Whatever the weather – regardless of if the North East was being hit with snow, rain or ferocious wind – Sol’s unwavering determination spurred him on.

His admirable will power convinced others to join him, as dozens flocked to the freezing waters of King Edward’s Bay on 26 February to celebrate his 100^th dip.

The gathering has now turned into a regular occurrence, with folk repeatedly turning up at the beach to get involved in the cold-water exposure and relaxing breathing exercises.

The Facebook page ‘Sol’s Cold Water Therapy Group’ has racked up 1200 members in a matter of weeks.

Sol is even being stopped in the street with people eagerly asking if they can join in – which, of course, he says they are welcome too.

People from America, Australia, Asia and numerous other countries were also interested in experiencing the “magic” benefits that Sol has talked about.

Heart touching messages have since flooded in from across the globe with people expressing their appreciation to Sol for how his dedication encouraged them to begin morning dips.

Go here to visit Sol’s Cold Water Therapy facebook page.

Sol advised two minutes is enough “to charge your battery” alongside the right breathing exercises.

He said, although “it’s all in your mind,” that people shouldn’t force it.

He warned: “Your body will tell you how long you’re going to stay in the water. If your body tells you it’s enough, just get out.”

Sol’s main praise about cold water exposure is about how it makes your mind and body become one.

He explained: “You’re fully connected and just feeling good. It activates everything in your body – optimises your vascular system. And after that you feel good. When you come out of the water, you feel like a mountain.”

Marnie Merrilees, Mental Health Consultant at Thrive Mental Wellbeing, is working alongside Sol to spread the message about the benefits of cold water therapy.

She expressed that one of the “the greatest benefits” of cold water therapy is how it makes the body feel, especially as it can ease sore and aching muscles. Athletes often use cold water therapy to reduce inflammation and aid muscle recovery.

Marnie added: “Cold water can help your central nervous system by aiding in sleep, and consequently make you feel better from having less fatigue. It’s been suggested that people who engage in cold water therapy have better sleep, because it helps regulate their sleeping patterns.”

She noted that everyone within the group participating in the cold water therapy “seems to sleep like a log.”

She continued: “[A] benefit of cold water therapy is being able to train your vagus nerve, which is linked to the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the calming part of your nervous system. Training it can help you face stressful situations more adequately.

“Anxiety is a mental health condition that causes excessive fears and worries, and while intermittent bouts of anxiety are natural, anxiety disorders make it difficult to participate in life in a normal way. So when you want to get rid of your anxious thoughts, exposure to cold is a great way to relieve the anxiety symptoms naturally.”

Both with a passion for helping others, Sol and Marnie are keen for others to experience the wonders that they’ve both felt from cold water therapy and breathing exercises.

Sol Turk and Marnie Merrilees collecting Sol’s Koast radio award

For those that aren’t feeling quite up to a dip in the sea, the pair suggested an ice bath could be a good compromise. Or alternatively, practice with cold showers.

Sol explained: “People actually train with cold showers before introducing themselves into ice baths, into the sea, lakes, waterfalls or anything like that. What they can do is turn the shower to cold. Try on the first day maybe for 30 seconds, the second day 40 seconds, third day 50 seconds. Each day increase it by 10 seconds.”

Motivated by how great it is see others thriving following his first challenge, Sol is about to start another one on Thursday (10 March) – although it will remain a secret until the big reveal.

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Are you brave enough to join him?

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