Cold Showers and Choosedays: How Ronen Aires is Helping Leaders Find Calm in Chaos

In a society that glorifies hustle and hyper-connectivity, The ORT Jet Business Show recently carved out a rare moment of stillness. In a thought-provoking conversation between financial expert David Zidel and entrepreneur, mental wellness advocate, and author Ronen Aires, attendees were reminded that “we’re not always in business—we’re in busy-ness.”

Ronen Aires, best known as the founder of Student Village and the author of Breach, has spent decades navigating the highs and lows of leadership. From building businesses to coaching executives, he’s now focused on something far deeper: helping others rediscover calm in a chaotic world.

“We’re overstimulated. Emails, WhatsApps, notifications—they’ve hijacked our nervous systems.”

he said during the interview

The result? Burnout, anxiety, and disconnection are no longer the exceptions—they’re becoming the default setting for many professionals.

Cold as a Cure

Among the transformative tools Ronen uses with clients is cold exposure therapy—a surprising yet powerful way to reset both body and mind.

“Our fear of the cold comes from our bobbas,”.

he joked, referencing ancestral caution

But behind the humour lies serious science. Just 11 minutes of cold exposure a week—whether it’s a cold shower or a face dunk in ice—can shift your nervous system into a calmer state. It’s a deliberate discomfort that clears mental fog and builds resilience.

Stillness is Strength

Ronen urges leaders to embrace stillness—not as a luxury, but as a necessity.

“If you’re too busy for 20 minutes in nature, then spend an hour.”

he advised

Time outdoors, deep breathing, and daily pauses help recalibrate the nervous system, sharpen focus, and remind us of what’s truly important.

Stress, he warned, is like a bag of crisps: addictive, comforting, but ultimately damaging. The first step to escaping it? Reduce the noise.

“Turn your phone back to 2016,”.

he suggested—meaning, turn off nonessential notifications and unplug from the digital chaos

The Power of Chooseday

One of Ronen’s most impactful ideas is Chooseday. After experiencing burnout himself, he reinvented his Tuesdays as a day of intentional living.

“I was doing too many things that didn’t bring me joy,”.

he reflected

On Chooseday, he commits to slowing down, spending time on creative projects, connecting meaningfully with others, and reclaiming his autonomy.

The practice soon inspired others, who noticed his renewed energy and clarity.

“On a Chooseday, I am always choosing.”

he explained

That intention—to choose peace, pace, and purpose—has become a cornerstone of his life and leadership model.

Wisdom from the Past

Ronen also draws strength from ancient practices like Shabbat, describing it as a “sacred pause” that reconnects us with our inner voice. In an era of digital overload, creating screen-free zones and prioritising real human connection is more vital than ever, especially for children growing up in a constantly plugged-in world.

Behavioural economics, as David Zidel noted, can help shape environments that make these healthy behaviours easier. Small nudges—like silencing phones or scheduling downtime—can have outsized effects on mental well-being.

The Real Measure of Purpose

When asked how to rediscover purpose amid the noise, Ronen responded with timeless wisdom: “Know thyself.” Purpose isn’t static—it evolves with us. But a powerful guiding question remains: What impact do I have on others? That, he believes, is the truest indicator of a life well-lived.

Try This at Home

Ronen left the audience with practical, daily tools to create calm and connection:

• Before bed: Sit outside, breathe deeply, and listen to music under the stars.
• Use temperature and breath: Cold showers, saunas, and breathwork can shift your mental state.
• Allow flexibility in recovery: Avoid over-scheduling rest—let it flow naturally.
• Create daily space: Even ten minutes of intentional disconnection can reset your system.

According to research, such practices can reduce the risk of chronic disease by up to 40%. But for Ronen, the benefits go deeper.

“The pain of my past wounds has become the secret to my success,”.

he shared

Healing, in his philosophy, is inseparable from high performance.

When we choose to pause, breathe, and reset—even just one Chooseday at a time—we begin to remember who we really are. In that remembering, true leadership is born.

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