6 Ways Cold Showers Will Change Your Life
TL;DR: Taking cold showers, or at least ending your hot shower with 30 seconds of cold water can provide major health benefits.
Estimated Reading Time: 1 Minute and 59 Seconds
1. Higher Discipline
Cold showers raise your tolerance to discomfort. They're uncomfortable at first, but they get easier over time.
Taking cold showers will help you:
Do hard things
Face challenges
Control your emotions
This newfound discipline will show in all aspects of your life.
2. Stronger Immunity
“People who took them (cold showers) for at least 30 seconds for one month called in sick 29% less than our control group — and 54% less if they also engaged in regular physical exercise” - (Harvard Business Review)
Cold showers are especially great in the winter to fight common respiratory tract infections.
3. Increased Fat Burning
Cold water activates the body’s thermoregulation.
When activated, it keeps the body warm by burning calories. Cold water may also increase your energy levels, metabolism, and help control your blood sugar.
Although, it is important to note that cold showers are not going to be your best route to weight loss.
4. Enhanced Cognition
Cold showers increase your norepinephrine.
This enhances your:
Mood
Focus
Concentration
A 2016 study found that people who took cold showers reported boosted energy levels. The participants mentioned that the energy-boosting effects of a cold shower are similar to caffeine.
5. Improved Circulation and Decreased inflammation
Taking regular cold showers increases blood flow. While immersed in the cold water, your body must work harder to maintain a proper internal temperature.
This increases circulation as blood rushes to the essential internal organs to protect them from the cold. The shock from the cold also stimulates faster breathing, which increases oxygen intake.
The efficient transportation of oxygen through the bloodstream is essential for maintaining certain bodily functions. Cold water also helps lower inflammation. This is why athletes use ice baths to recover after a workout.
6. Cold Showers Will Wake You Up
Of all effects, this is the one that I personally feel the most. Regardless of the countless health benefits, there's no doubt a cold shower makes you more alert at the start of the day even if it is a “placebo”, it still works.
Ready to Start?
Tip #1 - Start with taking a normal shower and reduce the temperature for a minute before reverting to warm. Do this a couple of times during your shower
Tip #2 - Have a normal shower but this time finish with 30–90 seconds under the cold water
Tip #3 - When ready, dive in and go cold from the jump. Remember, it’s only the first 10 seconds that are hard and you'll feel amazing afterward.