Starting your day with an icy-cold bath might be undesirable. However, many have been persuaded to adopt the practice due to the numerous physical and mental health benefits of submerging oneself in cold water.

This summer, why not try something new and be healthier? Change they way you take your showers by lowering the water temperature, and have an icy-blast bath! 

Here are some reasons why you need to start taking cold showers:

Stronger Immune System

Taking cold showers can boost your immunity to common illnesses such as colds and the flu. Cold showers may even make the body more resistant to certain types of cancer. In addition, a clinical trial found that people who took cold showers missed fewer work days. 

According to scientific studies, taking a cold shower increases the number of white blood cells in your body. These blood cells are the workhorse of the immune system. This process is linked to an increased metabolic rate, which stimulates our body’s immune response.

Mood Booster

Cold showers can function as a mild form of electroshock therapy for patients with depression. An overwhelming amount of electrical impulses expected to send to the brain may have an antidepressant effect. They jolt our system, boosting our energy, clarity, and alertness.

Endorphins – or the “feel-good” hormones – also increases once you take a cold shower. These hormones can help with depression and anxiety symptoms. Cold water may also decrease cortisol, a stress-inducing hormone, which can be pretty significant especially for someone’s mental health.

Weight Loss

Brown fat, for example, can generate heat by burning itself. This is done when your body is exposed to cold conditions, such as when you take a low-temperature shower. This type of fat is mostly found near the neck and shoulders, so taking a cold shower will definitely hit those brown fats. 

Of course, people cannot simply begin taking cold showers to lose weight without adjusting their other lifestyle habits. However, taking a cold shower two or three times a week may help boost metabolism. Over time, it may aid the fight to lose weight.

The research on how cold showers help people lose weight is unclear. Nonetheless, cold water can balance hormone levels and heal the gastrointestinal system. These effects may contribute to the cold shower's reputation for causing weight loss.

Better Sleep

Your body temperature drops while you sleep. By taking a cold shower before bed, you signal to your body that bedtime is approaching by beginning the temperature-lowering process. Hence, taking cold shower tells your mind and body to start winding down and take a rest. 

Enriches Hair and Skin

Cold water constricts and tightens the blood flow, giving your skin a healthier glow. It closes and strengthens the cuticles of your hair as well. 

Good for Muscle Recovery

After having challenging workouts, taking a cold shower can help ease sore muscles. Your muscles tighten during workouts, and taking a cold shower will relax and repair themselves after a strenuous exercise, thanks to the regenerative qualities of cold water.

Improves Blood Circulation

Taking cold showers is an easy way to improve circulation. A healthy circulatory system is essential for general cardiovascular health. Healthy blood circulation also reduces the time it takes to recover from strenuous exercises and work. Cold water slightly constricts our blood circulation as it hits our body and external limbs. To maintain an ideal body temperature, blood in your deeper tissues circulates faster.

Proponents of cold showers argue that stimulating the circulatory system keeps people healthier and younger-looking than hot water lovers.

Boosts Alertness

A cold-water shower is an answer for those who have trouble getting out of bed in the morning. It has long-lasting effects that increase your daytime alertness. 

In fact, the use of cold water showers by Spartans to improve their physical and mental stamina and become more alert during battle is documented in history. If the Spartans don’t convince you, I don’t know what will.

Risks

There is far enough evidence that cold water immersion or a cold shower benefits your health, even if the reasons for this are still unclear. Yet, you should be aware that taking a cold shower has risks. Read on before you start turning off your shower’s water heater!

People with weakened immune systems and those with severe heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure, are included. This is because abrupt changes in body temperature and heart rate may damage the body.

How To Get Into a Cold Shower

It takes some getting used to a shockingly cold shower first thing in the morning (or any other time for that matter). Here are some steps to get in and stay in the cold water.

• Gradually lower the temperature of the water to allow your body to adjust. Begin with a comfortable, warm water temperature and decrease progressively to the coldest setting.
• Try to relax and keep your breathing under control. Relax your body and don't clench or tighten your muscles. Concentrate your attention on the coldness and resist the urge to shiver.
• On the first day, try to stay in the cold shower for at least a minute. Then, work your way up to two minutes the day after, and so on. Continue working until you reach 5.

To enjoy your cold shower, pair it with something you think is fun! Turn on your favorite music or listen to some podcast you love. You can also celebrate taking a cold shower by treating yourself once you’re done. A cup of hot coffee or tea will do.

Conclusion

A cold shower indeed has a lot of advantages. It will not only benefit your body, but your emotional and mental health as well.

Make your regular shower an extraordinary freezing one. Starting it may be challenging, but you'll soon be comfortable. Perhaps, you might end up loving it so much and start doing it everyday!