Part of the TIPP distress response technique, the Dive Reflex refers to changing temperature on our body. The practice is to reduce your mental distress from a 10 down to a 7 or 8 - just enough to be able to think about your other coping tools.

When a person is submerged in cold water or puts their face in cold water, it triggers the Dive Reflex. Our parasympathetic nervous system is activated by the Dive Reflex - which is the nervous system that controls our rest and digest functions in our body. This is important because it sends our body into a slower physical state. Our heart beat slows and the body shunts more blood to the brain and the heart, along with the other vital organs.

You can make a bowl of ice water, a cold rag, or a cool-pack. Use this on your face for 5 seconds. This will trigger the Dive Reflex. You could also place the cold rag or icepack on just your forehead or cheeks instead of the whole face to simulate the same reaction.

Another way of achieving the same affect is to jump into a cool pool or lake. Once it motivates you out of the distressing thoughts or emotions, you can take the time and go into some of your other tools.

Another, less critical, way to apply this is by taking a Hydrotherapy Contrast shower. You start by taking a warm shower for a few minutes. Next, step back from the water, turn the temperature to cold, and slowly step into the cold water. Over 30 seconds, you work from your feet to your head in the cold water. After 30 seconds, you step back and turn the water to warm again. If you feel the need to, you can repeat the process multiple times. This also activates your parasympathetic nervous system and encourages your body to start repair systems.