Valerie Bertinelli Embraces Cold Plunges, Healing, and Aging with Refreshing Honesty
Valerie Bertinelli, the beloved actress known for her roles in "One Day at a Time" and her successful culinary career, is sharing her journey of self-discovery and well-being with characteristic openness. Recently, she posted a photo and video on social media, revealing her latest experiment: cold plunging. In the post, she is seen confidently sporting a red bikini as she prepares to immerse herself in her 66°F pool in the early morning light.
"My pool is 66° Now, for a cold plunge that’s relatively warm (that’s what they say, whoever they are)," she wrote in the caption, playfully acknowledging the nuances of the cold plunge trend. More than just a fleeting fad, Bertinelli suggests that these icy dips have become a valuable part of her wellness routine. "Along with everything else I’ve been experimenting with, this has helped improve my mood, has reduced inflammation and it’s easier than filling my bath up with ice cubes."
This admission provides a glimpse into Bertinelli’s dedication to exploring different avenues to enhance her physical and mental health. Cold plunging, a practice gaining popularity for its purported benefits, aligns with her proactive approach to well-being. While the water temperature might be considered "warm" by some cold plunging enthusiasts, Bertinelli is clearly finding value in the experience. The reported benefits of improved mood and reduced inflammation speak to the potential of this practice to positively impact overall quality of life.
Beyond physical wellness, Bertinelli is also actively engaged in deep self-reflection and healing. In a candid conversation backstage at "The Drew Barrymore Show," she addressed personal growth and shedding old patterns. When asked about something from her past she’s healing from that she once considered normal, she immediately replied, "people-pleasing.”
Her honesty resonated deeply, highlighting a common struggle many face: the need for external validation. “I’m trying to learn or do my best to not people-please any longer. But I thought it was normal, because I had to make sure everybody liked me. At this point, you really don’t have a choice whether everybody loves you or not, that’s up to them. It doesn’t matter. Do I like myself? Most of the time. I’ll keep working on that.” This statement is a powerful declaration of self-acceptance and a commitment to prioritizing her own needs and well-being over the approval of others.
Bertinelli’s dedication to self-improvement is evident in her decision to seek professional support. She revealed that she has two therapists and has been engaged in EMDR therapy, a therapeutic technique designed to process traumatic memories. EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, involves specific eye movements while revisiting distressing experiences, with the aim of reducing their emotional impact.
Her willingness to embrace therapy and delve into past traumas reflects a courageous approach to personal healing. She acknowledged the challenges of confronting difficult emotions and experiences. "They’re there to trigger you so that you finally heal childhood wounds that have been chasing you or sitting in you your entire life. And if you’re anyone like me, you’ve been avoiding working on those. So I’m going to try and work through all these wounds so that I can have good, healthy, authentic emotional relationships with people."
This vulnerability highlights the universality of trauma and the importance of seeking support to heal and move forward. By openly discussing her therapeutic journey, Bertinelli normalizes the process of seeking help and encourages others to prioritize their mental health. She also directly addresses the often-experienced feelings that can accompany past wounds, "But yeah, shame and self-loathing are bitches. And they were never mine to begin with, but somehow they were given to me," she added with a laugh.
As Bertinelli embraces this new chapter, she is also addressing the topic of aging with her signature authenticity. She acknowledges the societal pressures and the physical changes that come with getting older, but emphasizes the importance of embracing the journey. "I am doing my best to embrace my aging. It’s challenging, but I have to say, it’s better than the alternative. With age comes saggier skin, the wrinkles, the jowl line. You know, it’s life. Your face shows what you’ve been through, and my face shows that I laugh a lot, so I’m cool with that."
Her words offer a refreshing perspective on aging, celebrating the experiences and wisdom gained over time, rather than solely focusing on physical imperfections. This acceptance and gratitude for the aging process serves as an inspiring message to others navigating similar feelings.
Last week, Bertinelli celebrated her 65th birthday, sharing a video montage to mark the occasion. The post offered a reflective look at her journey, encompassing both triumphs and challenges. "Went through it all in the last handful of years, and I’m so grateful for the downs as much as I am for all of the ups I am blessed to experience. The light at the end of the tunnel is finally here. I can see it. I feel it," she wrote in the caption.
Valerie Bertinelli’s journey is a testament to the power of self-awareness, healing, and embracing life’s transitions. From her willingness to experiment with cold plunging to her openness about therapy and aging, she inspires others to prioritize their well-being and live authentically. Her message is clear: embrace challenges, seek support, and celebrate the journey of self-discovery. She remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that it is never too late to learn, grow, and create a life filled with joy and purpose.
