Are cold showers good for you?
The thought of having a cold shower may not sound very appealing. However, there are a number of different benefits that you can experience by having a cold shower. The discomfort may be worth the potential advantages to your metabolism, circulation and well being. You can also expect better muscle recovery, radiant skin, and much more. With that being said, continue reading to discover everything you need to know about the benefits of cold showers.
Cold showers can help recovery after you have been working out
There is only one place to begin when it comes to the benefits that are associated with taking cold showers after you have been working out, and this is with the fact that cold showers can be great in terms of exercise recovery.
As a consequence of the regenerative characteristics of cold water, your muscles are going to relax and repair after a challenging workout.
Cold showers can prevent you from being under the weather
This is one of the main benefits associated with taking a cold shower. You may be surprised to learn that by getting into a cold shower, it may enable you to avoid contracting the cold during this time of year. This is because researchers have designed that your immune system heightens while taking a cold shower, which will make you more resistant to illness.
There was one clinical trial that was carried out in the Netherlands, which discover that taking cold showers resulted in a 29 per cent reduction in the number of workers calling in for sick days. In addition to this, there have even been studies that have shown improved cancer survival can be linked to cold showers.
Not only can taking cold showers help you to avoid the dreaded flu and cold but there can be benefits in terms of your mental health as well. There have been a number of different studies that have shown that symptoms of depression can be relieved by taking regular cold showers.
Of course, while there are clear health benefits when it comes to taking cold showers, it is important to realize that this is not some sort of magic formula. Taking cold showers should be part of your overall health and wellbeing approach, rather than thinking that cold showers will magically be the answer to everything.
Cold showers can help you to wake up properly in the morning
Another reason to consider taking a cold shower every day is that this will help you to wake up effectively in the morning.
When you take a cold shower, you do have a bit of a shock experience. This shock will increase your alertness, heart rate, and oxygen intake. This is the best way to start the day!
Cold showers can be great for your hair and skin
In addition to the points that we have mentioned so far, there has also been evidence to suggest that cold showers can be beneficial in terms of your health and skin. This is because dol water will constrict and tighten the blood flow toward your skin, which can create a healthier glow.
In terms of your hair, cold water will close your hair cuticles, which strengthens them. Also, the sebum layer, which is a naturally lubricated barrier that offers protection for your hair and skin, is not going to dry out when you take a cold shower. The same cannot be said for hot showers. As a consequence, your hair is much more likely to become healthier and stronger over time if you take a cold shower.
Cold showers can boost your metabolism
It is also important to note the positive impact that a cold shower can have in terms of your metabolism. While your system is fighting to keep warm, it will expend energy. This process of effectively self-heating will help to burn additional calories.
Of course, having cold showers is not going to get you a beach body overnight but it can certainly help in terms of ramping up your metabolism.
Cold showers can calm irritable skin
Do you suffer from a skin condition that causes you to itch? Itchy skin can be very frustrating to deal with. If you have irritable skin, taking a cold shower can help you to get over the need to scratch. Hot showers, on the other hand, can end up causing further irritation.
Cold showers can increase your circulation
Aside from the benefits that we have mentioned so far, another reason why you should consider taking cold showers is that it will help to boost your circulation.
When you feel a cold blast of water hit your skin, your initial reaction is to move away from it, right? This is because it is our body’s natural response when icy water hits against our skin. We switch into survival mode.
Your circulatory system goes into overdrive when you experience the shock brought on by cold water. Your blood flow will increase to protect your vital organs and warm your core. At the same time, circulation close to your skin constricts.
This process will stimulate blood flow, which is imperative when it comes to good health and wellbeing. With increased circulation, your skin will get healthier and clearer.
Cold showers can support weight loss
Cold shower benefits can include supporting weight loss by suppressing your appetite. Initially, it might be a challenge and you will find that your appetite will increase dramatically. This is because you are burning through calories in order to stay warm in the cold water. A benefit not available with a warm or hot shower.
A cold shower is a great way to start exploring cold water therapy
Many people embarking on a journey of exploring cold water therapy often start with cold showers. It’s relatively easy to turn down the hot water and gradually build up your tolerance over time.
Cold showers are also a great place to start when it comes to getting yourself comfortable in colder environments, which can have additional health benefits associated with adapting to the cold. The more you expose yourself to colder temperatures, especially over longer periods of time, the more your body will get used to them.
From starting with a cold shower as a method that is easily accessible and convenient you can then opt to graduate from a cold shower to a cold bath or an ice bath. Ice baths are a great way to benefit from cold water immersion and take the next step from cold showering.
How often should you cold shower
For many incorporating cold showers into their daily routine is ideal to develop a pattern that can be maintained. Taking cold showers everyday can support you in developing a healthy lifestyle and maintaining good habits.
Exposure to cold temperatures as part of a morning routine can be a great way to start the day and boost your energy levels and mental alertness, whilst aiding you in benefitting from the cold shower benefits we have discussed in this article, such as improved immune system, reducing high blood pressure, mental health benefits, reduced stress, positive impact on the nervous system, supporting weight loss, reduce inflammation, ease tired muscles and soreness, recover quicker from a tough workout, and support general well being.
Are cold showers good for you?
So there you have it: the full guide to cold showers and whether or not they are good for you. We hope that this has helped you to get a good understanding of why cold showers are so important for the mind and body. They can help to boost both your metabolism and circulation, offering a whole host of great health benefits. From waking up the right way in the morning to improving mental and physical well being, there are a lot of different reasons why you should consider adding regular cold showers to your daily routine, especially as a step towards cold water immersion. For more information on guided on cold water immersion and ice bath retreats click here.