When most of us shower, we make the water a bit steamy. But you could be losing out on health benefits by cranking the temperature up on your showers. Here are five benefits you can experience from taking a cold shower.
Benefits of Taking a Cold Shower
It helps you remain calm under pressure: You’ve probably heard the term hot-headed before. If that’s you, take a cool shower. Cold water can literally cool you down and make you more resilient to cracking under pressure.It breaks you out of your comfort zone: When you wake up, you’re tired, warm, and cozy. Taking a cold shower can kickstart your energy levels. If you’re brave enough to dip in cold water first thing in the morning, then you will probably find that you become more fearless and courageous in other areas of your life too.
Boost blood circulation: To warm up your body from being in the cold, your body increases blood flow. An increase in blood flow keeps you warm and ensures all areas of the body work more effectively. For example, you may have clearer thoughts and improved physical health. Furthermore, this may prevent blood clots, which can be very serious.
It helps treat pain: Many athletes rely on cold showers and baths as a means of preventing or treating injury. If you’re looking for a way to recovery from exercise or injury, or simply want a means to reduce pain, soak in some cold water.
Improves mood: Even though being cold seems miserable, a cold shower can improve your mood throughout the day. There have been studies that find cold baths are effective natural anti-depressants.
You may still be thinking that cold showers aren’t for you, but we aren’t asking you to dive right into freezing temperatures. Ease your way into it and find a temperature that is tolerable.
As an alternative, you can take cold showers on certain days of the week, or when you need to be up earlier than normal. Regardless, it may be worth trying every now and then.
Devon Andre has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a staff reporter for Bel Marra Health, where this article was originally published.
