Even the thought of having a cold shower can make a person shiver. After crawling out of a warm bed, the last thing you might want to do is spray yourself with water that is going to instantly wake you up and make you start breathing rapidly. It’s a mental challenge that can be difficult to overcome and will take some willpower to do. It’s also something worth trying, because it can make you feel better instantly.
Cryotherapy is a well-researched and highly effective therapy used for everything from athletic rehabilitation to boosting the immune system. From ice baths to ice packs to full-body chambers, there are multiple ways to use cold to treat a variety of conditions. Taking cold showers is the easiest and quickest way to experience some of the benefits for yourself.
Action – While the benefits of taking cold showers are largely anecdotal, this study did show a reduction in the number of sick days test subjects experienced compared to a control group. They were asked to take a normal shower and then to turn the water to the coldest level possible for the last 30, 60, and then 90 seconds. This is the easiest way to get used to taking a cold shower and to make it tolerable.
People who regularly take cold showers report a reduction in stress levels, an increase in alertness, less sickness, increased willpower, and even weight loss. Once you overcome the initial reluctance to try, having a cold shower can become something that you actually look forward to doing.
Steps – By far the easiest way to do this is to turn the water to cold at the end of a normal shower. If you normally take very hot showers, reduce the temperature and make it warm instead. That can help reduce the shock of the cold water and make it less jarring. It’s much easier to wash your hair when the water is still warm, but after that you can turn the water to cold and experience the benefits.
Most likely you will find that you breathe deeper and more rapidly and it is this increased flow of oxygen that will wake you up and provide a sense of euphoria. The cold shower itself isn’t what feels good – it is the sensation when it is over that is worth the momentary discomfort.
Why It Makes You Feel Better – The release of endorphins has a major effect on mood and may help if you suffer from depression. Cold showers cause electrical impulses to be sent to the brain that can increase alertness and energy levels. Metabolism can increase, aiding in weight loss, and cold activates brown fat in the body which is important for maintaining a healthy weight.
The increase in circulation from taking a cold shower is invigorating. If you are feeling sluggish or lethargic and in need of a boost, try it and see if it helps. Although it is uncomfortable, the results can be well worth it.
Example – This is something you don’t want to think about too much, because it is easy to talk yourself out of doing it. Near the end of your shower, simply turn the temperature of the water down and then turn to face the other way so the water hits your back first. Try to count to at least 20 before turning around. Then count to 10 to make a total of 30. Turn the water off completely and that’s it. Notice how you feel as you go about your day.
Taking cold showers takes some getting used to and definitely uses a bit of willpower, but it can make you feel better so quickly that it might become part of your regular routine.