I never feared the cold.
When I was 7–8 years old, my parents used to take my sister and me to a lake to walk around on the beach.
The water was cold.
But my sister and I both liked to jump in the water anyway — we still do this when possible.
Later on, I found out about the benefits of cold and cold showers.
In this article, I’ll show you 4 reasons why you should start taking cold showers now.
1 — Boost your immune system
First of all, cold showers give your immune system a huge boost.
Cold water can help to increase the production of white blood cells, which are your body’s natural defense against infection.
This happens because the body tries to warm itself up in response to the cold, which results in a metabolic rate boost and subsequently an increase in white blood cell production.
The shock of cold water can stimulate your body to release more of the hormone adrenaline, which is known for its role in boosting the immune system.
So, while it might be a bit uncomfortable at first, a cold shower could be just what your immune system needs to stay in top shape.
2 — Improve your skin
Cold water can help to close your pores and reduce inflammation, which can improve the appearance of your skin.
Hot showers can lead to acne and other skin problems.
Because when you take hot showers, the warm water can open your pores, which can allow bacteria to get inside. Cold water, on the other hand, can help to close your pores and keep those out.
Who doesn’t want that?
Here are some suggestions on how to have cold showers for healthier skin:
- Begin your shower with warm water, then slowly make it colder.
- If your skin is sensitive, don’t be in the cold water for too long.
- Use a moisturizer afterward.
3 — Improve mental well-being and reduce stress
Taking cold showers may seem like a challenging task, but they can greatly contribute to your mental well-being and stress reduction.
The Wim Hof Method, a scientifically-backed approach developed by Wim Hof, suggests that enduring cold temperatures can help us manage daily stress better.
The process involves:
- Starting off with intense breathing exercises on an empty stomach.
- Always listen to your body and perform these exercises in a safe environment.
- Gradually exposing your body to cold temperatures, like stepping under a cold shower.
Although you may not enjoy the cold showers initially, your body eventually adapts to it.
The consistent dip in body temperature achieved through cold showers can lower your average heart rate, potentially leading to less stress.
Not only does this method make you more resilient, but it also improves your mood and increases your energy levels. So, give cold showers a chance — you might be surprised at how beneficial they can be for your mental health!
4 — Wakes you up in the morning
Cold showers can serve as a powerful, natural alarm clock, instantly waking you up in the morning.
Let me share a personal story.
I used to be someone who heavily relied on multiple alarms, yet I’d often hit the snooze button and crawl back into bed, resulting in sluggish mornings.
One day, I came across the Wim Hof Method and its suggestion to try cold showers. The next morning, as my alarm rang, I shuffled into the bathroom, turned the dial to cold, and bravely stepped into the shower.
The shock of the cold water was a jolt to my senses.
I won’t lie; it was uncomfortable at first. However, within seconds, I was wide awake, my sleepiness washed away by the icy cascade.
The process of taking a cold shower in the morning now involves:
- Bracing myself for the cold shower after the alarm rings.
- Stepping into the shower and turning the knob to cold.
- Enduring the initial shock and discomfort.
- Feeling invigorated and awake within seconds.
Cold showers have since become my morning ritual, the key to my energetic start to the day.
Now, instead of multiple alarms and the tempting snooze button, my morning wake-up call is a refreshing cold shower. It’s an experience I’d recommend everyone to try — it could transform your mornings like it did mine!
Final Words
The practice of taking cold showers, while initially challenging, can lead to surprising benefits for your health and well-being.
Whether it’s to invigorate your mornings, reduce stress levels, improve skin health, or boost your immune system, the impact of this simple ritual can be enough.
“Feeling is understanding.” — Wim Hof
The benefits of cold showers are something you must experience to truly comprehend. It may be a difficult switch at first, but remember that resilience often comes from discomfort.
To start reaping the benefits of cold showers, brace yourself, step into the cold, and embrace the invigorating experience. Just like the morning dew refreshes the earth, a cold shower can wake you up, energizing you for the day ahead.
Remember, your morning sets the tone for the day, so why not start it with a spark of energy?