A quick blast of cold water can be a great way to start your day.
Cold showers can offer several potential benefits for physical and mental health.
Not an only-cold shower, just ending your shower with cold water for 1-3 minutes.
Improved circulation
The cold water causes blood vessels to constrict, which can enhance circulation by forcing blood to move more efficiently throughout the body.
This stimulates your body to increase blood flow circulation.
Increased alertness and energy
The shock of cold water can stimulate the body’s sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased alertness and a temporary energy boost.
Enhanced mood
Cold showers trigger the release of epinephrine (aka adrenaline) and norepinephrine (aka noradrenaline) in the brain and body improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
These neurochemicals make us feel alert and can make us feel less agitated.
Stress Resilience and Grit
Enduring the shock of ice-cold water primes you to handle any stressors that come later in the day.
By willingly subjecting yourself to this discomfort, you prove to yourself that you can overcome stress, cultivating a mindset of adaptability and strength.
Consistency is key
The benefits of cold showers are cumulative, so make them a regular part of your routine.
Aim for deliberate cold exposure totaling 11 minutes per week, distributed across 2-4 sessions lasting 1-5 minutes each.
Optimal cold shower temperature ranges from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 15 degrees Celsius), somewhat uncomfortable and still safe.
Build your cold tolerance gradually by slightly lowering the water temperature with each shower.
