Uncowed means showing courage or boldness.
the opposite would be showing fright
The time you stop working could be a few different things.
Retirement
Off shift
Vacation
I’m not sure what your choices are.
I would not describe being submerged in a mud bath as gently floating on top because theirs mud under you and theirs mud all over top of you. You’re kind of just stuck in the middle, i’d feel more stuck then gently floating on top.