14 Benefits Of Cold Showers For Your Health

The first thing a cold shower does for our body is give a wake-up call. Bathing with the icy water in the morning hours can truly be a perfect alternative to caffeine.

Once we indulge in a cold shower, our body will start to release adrenaline and endorphin. These hormones could act as a natural energy booster to keep us pumped up for the entire day.

The second benefit of cold shower is to improve blood circulation. Exposure to cold water will eventually lead to constriction of blood vessels. This diverts the blood flow away from the skin.

When the blood flows away from the skin surface, it will result in the inner blood vessels dilating. Hence, this process will improve circulation, making cold showers fantastic for our cardiovascular health.

Whenever we are exposed to a cold shower, our body temperature falls, and the body works hard to retain the core temperature. This will ultimately trigger an immune response from the body.

A September 2016 study by PLOS One Journal also found that individuals who participated in cold showers were 29% less likely to report being sick for school/work. 

Whenever we have a cold shower, the sympathetic nervous system gets activated because of the stress of the icy water. This activation results in an adrenaline rush, quicker heart rate, and improved blood flow.

All these factors can lead to multiple helpful chemicals getting released, i.e. endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These hormones are generally responsible for calming us down and improving our mood

Since cold showers constrict the blood vessels, the blood moves away from the skin to the other parts of the body. This can push the required oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the sore muscles gained from exercising.

Once the sore muscles receive the blood, the muscle recovery process will become quicker. Cold showers can also release hormones, which can reduce the inflammation of the sore muscles.

An underrated health benefit of cold showers is to help get glowing skin and hair. It may be unnoticeable at first, but once we consistently have cold showers, we can witness clearer skin. It’s since cold water can reduce the build-up of dirt and tighten the pores.

Meanwhile, cold water can also work up our hair, flattening the hair follicles, and establishing a shinier and healthier hair. Cold water in hair can keep the locks smooth and decrease frizz.

Showering with cold water can be a way to elevate the breathing capacity of people. Upon getting hit with icy water, our breath may reflexively become deep and sharp. This activity forces the lungs to expand more.

Consistent practice of cold showers can expand the lungs and create deep breathing patterns more often. This will ultimately promote the lung strength and breathing capacity.

Many people take a cold shower to get relief from stress. People become stressed due to their academics and jobs, and a cold shower can be a superb answer to relax the body physically and mentally.

When we shower with cold water, the cortisol levels eventually drop down. This cortisol hormone is the major source of stress, so taking a cold shower is a must for mental well-being.

Cold showers can be a method to get quality sleep for some individuals. Since it helps to relax and recover sore muscles, it may lead to quality sleep after conducting heavy physical activities.

However, people who have cold sensitivity should avoid it. For those people, instead of getting them to sleep, it could stimulate the body to become more alert and awake. Hot showers can be a great alternative to cold-sensitive individuals.

Just like boosting the immune system, cold showers could also improve the metabolism in the body. Since the cold water lowers the body temperature, the body has to fight harder to maintain a stable temperature. This, in turn, will help raise the metabolic rate.

When there is a greater metabolism, the body can regulate and manage more energy, hence assisting the immune system to perform better.

If we have a busy day ahead, then a morning cold shower can be the perfect boost to remain mentally sharp. The cold water wakes up our senses and increases oxygen flow to the brain.

Cold showering activates the nervous system and feels like a shot of adrenaline. This will help us become more alert of our surroundings and day-to-day tasks. 

Since a cold shower helps reduce inflammation, it could just be the thing we need to alleviate physical pain after a home workout. The cold water’s exposure can act as a painkiller, desensitizing the affected area.

Moreover, the endorphins released during the cold showers can improve mood and decrease pain by interfering with the brain’s pain perception.

Showering with a cold water is a powerful way to boost self-discipline. The shock of icy water in our skin pushes us outside the comfort zone. This action trains the mind to resist temptations to back down.

Make a habit of showering daily with cold water (even if it feels uncomfortable) to empower willpower. This can ultimately take us ahead in our lives - both personally and professionally.

Lymphatic fluids (lymph) help to fight various pathogens in the body, and their movement can be aided through regular cold showers. The whole body contraction due to a cold shower aids to squeeze the fluid throughout the body.

These fluids are usually found lying in the foot area. If they do not have proper movement, it could lead to the build-up of Lymphedema. An Oct 1998 study by the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine also found that cold showers help improve the flow of lymphs.

• Establish Your Intention - Make note of your intention before heading to the cold shower. Are you entering the shower to relieve stress? Or are you there to recover those sore muscles after a tough workout routine?
• Visualize Success - Getting exposed to icy water for 5-10 minutes in the morning may seem challenging. However, it is important to visualize that success in completing the bath.
• Begin With Warmer Water - If you feel that getting directly into cold water is a challenge, then you can start with warmer water first. Then, gradually decrease the temperature until the water becomes cold.
• Breathe Properly - During the bath, it is essential to take deep breaths via your nose, even though water may seem to disturb the process. Deep breathing helps stay calm and focused.
• Apply Positive Self-Talk - If you feel that deep breathing is not enough to withstand the shock of icy water, then utilize positive self-talk. Tell how you can sit in cold water for 10 minutes no matter what happens.
• Celebrate On Completion - Once you complete the shower, it is time to celebrate this occasion. And why shouldn’t you? Showering in cold water is not a feat that everyone can perform so easily.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for information purposes only. They should not be taken as medical advice.