Benefits of Cold Showers

I have a friend that swears by cold showers — he takes them in the mornings and claims that he feels refreshed and rejuvenated in a way that just doesn’t compare to hot showers. The science is there — taking cold showers causes the blood in your body to flow more rapidly. After exposure to an especially cold stimulus, your body forces blood to allocate to your organs in an attempt to keep them heated. Over time, your circulation improves as a result of this energy transfer, and your brain learns to regulate your body temperature more efficiently.

Cold showers have other benefits, too. Bathing in chilled water helps reduce the expansion of skin pores, which in turn improves your complexion by preventing foreign substances from entering your skin. Regular cold showers have been correlated to improvements in mood, energy, and even symptoms of depression. Cold showers might even help to boost your immune system. I almost always feel tired in the mornings, but the shock-factor of a cold shower helps to wake me up and get me ready to start my day. The health advantages add up, and the benefits don’t stop there.

Cold showers are good for the environment. The hot water we use to shower every day is an energy-hog, contributing to high utility costs and an over-saturation of fossil fuel emissions. If you’re considering trying something new, or just looking to spice up your daily routine, consider giving cold showers a try. It’s going to take some getting used to, but there’s definitely physical, mental, and environmental incentives that are worth considering. Good luck, and if you give cold showers a shot, definitely let me know!

Posted by Michael Salhany (C)