Everyone talks about the cold. It makes the better photograph and the better story. But ask members what they come back for, and most of them describe a chair, a robe and ten minutes of nothing.

The part people skip

On a first visit, almost everyone tries to cut the rest short. They finish the plunge, feel wide awake, and head straight back to the heat. By round three they are tired and a little cold.

The guides have learned to stand by the rest room door. Not to stop anyone, only to point at a lounger.

The heat and the cold are the effort. The rest is where you notice what they did.

What rest actually is

In the rest room you sit or lie down, wrapped up, with nothing to look at but the water. There is no music and no talking. Your only job is to stay put until the bell.

How to do nothing

1. Leave your phone in the locker, not your robe pocket.

2. Pick a lounger facing the window.

3. Stay until the bell, even if you feel ready sooner.

Try it this week

Book any session and treat the rest as the main event. Do one round fewer if you have to, but take all ten minutes each time.