When it comes to taking a shower, most people prefer to turn the dial to warm or hot. I mean, who wants to start their day with a blast of cold water? But as someone who has made the switch to cold showers, I can confidently say that it’s been an enlightening change.
Before I started taking cold showers, I was a bit of a skeptic. I had heard that they had all sorts of benefits, but I wasn’t convinced. However, I decided to give it a try and see for myself. At first, it was definitely a shock to the system. The cold water was invigorating and bracing, but in a good way. I found that it woke me up better than any cup of coffee ever could.
Once I got used to the cold water, I began to notice some other benefits as well. I found that my skin was clearer and healthier looking. The cold water seemed to close my pores and leave my skin feeling refreshed and invigorated. I also noticed that I had more energy throughout the day. It was like the cold water was giving me a boost of vitality that lasted all day long.
If you can flick that switch and douse yourself with icy cold water first thing in the morning, you show yourself that you are mentally strong. You have got this!
In addition to the physical benefits, I also found that cold showers had a positive effect on my mental health. The cold water can be intense, but it’s also very calming. It’s like a mini meditation session that you can do every day. I found that it helped me to clear my mind and focus on the present moment. It also helped me to feel more grounded and centered. But the most significant thing I noticed was willpower. If you can flick that switch and douse yourself with icy cold water first thing in the morning, you show yourself that you are mentally strong. You have got this!
Cold showers are also said to boost the immune system and can help with muscle recovery. It’s also been reported that it can increase circulation, lower inflammation and improve mood.
Of course, not everyone will have the same experience with cold showers. Some people may find that they’re just too intense or uncomfortable. But for me, the benefits have been well worth the initial shock.
Cold showers are not advisable if you have a heart condition as the additional stress on the heart could be dangerous.
One thing to keep in mind, if you’re considering switching to cold showers, is that you don’t have to go from hot to cold all at once. You can start by gradually reducing the temperature of the water until you’re comfortable with the cold. Cold showers are not advisable if you have a heart condition as the additional stress on the heart could be dangerous.
Now I dive right in, I stand under the shower head, with it pointed right at my face, take a deep centering breath and count down from 5 (the 5-second Rule, thanks Mel Robbins) and let it flow. Sadly, here in the UAE, that cold stream of refreshing water will only be available for a few months. When the temperatures rise, the cold water quickly becomes scarce. So make the most of these winter months.
In conclusion, cold showers may not be the most pleasant experience, but they can have a lot of benefits. From clearer skin, to an increase in energy, to an improvement in mental and physical health. It’s worth to give it a try and see if it works for you. It may take some time to adjust, but once you get used to it, you might find that you’ll never go back to warm or hot showers again.
