The Benefits of Cold Showers

Recovery is a very popular subject on the internet and on social media.  Various methods have been proven to be very beneficial for physical recovery.  Things like massage, movement, stretching, hot therapy and sleep.  Various methods have also been shown to aid mental recovery.  Things like journaling, contemplation, positive thinking and visualization. 

Several of these techniques can be used for both but the one that is particularly effective is cold showers. 

The physical benefits of cold showers include:

1. Strengthening the immune system and making us more resistant to illness.
2. Increased metabolism.
3. Improved circulation.
4. Improved physical recovery and reduction of fatigue.
5. Pain relief.
6. Increase in energy.
7. Improved hair and skin.
8. Better sleep.

This is quite a list and the psychological benefits are just as impressive:

1. Probable relief of depression.
2. Increased endorphin release (feel good hormones).
3. Increased alertness.
4. Better mood.
5. Stress reduction.
6. Increased willpower.

“Man who catch fly with chopstick, accomplish anything.”

                                                                -Mr. Miyagi

Now, no one is saying that taking cold showers is easy, and the last point is a very important one.  If you take cold showers, you are taking control of your body and mind and telling both that you have the willpower to do what you want, regardless of discomfort.

Building up to this is not easy and willpower is rarely enough.  However, to start taking cold showers you can do it one of two ways.  You can do “contrast showers”, where you alternate between hot and cold water, while gradually reducing the hot.

The other method is to just turn on the cold and get in.  This seems to be the more effective method because there is no turning back.  With the contrast method you can turn the hot water back on, with this method you turn on the cold and take your shower.

When you turn on the cold water and get under it, you enter a different frame of mind.  YOU are in control of yourself and this has an incredible effect on your brain and body.  If you can take a cold shower you can do almost anything and that is an incredible feeling.

There are two last thoughts to consider that will help with the transition to cold showers.  Firstly, it will be unpleasant for the first couple of weeks.  There is no sugar coating it, you will dread it and you will be miserable for a little while; but after a week or two, believe it or not, you will gets used to it and you will actually look forward to it.  Particularly in the winter, when you get out of the shower, you will experience the feeling of warming up rather than feeling cold and it is very comforting.

Secondly, the water is nowhere near as cold as you think it is.  Run the cold water in your home for a moment and put a thermometer into it.  You will be surprised to see that the water is very often close to 70 degrees F (20 degrees C), in other words, room temperature, regardless of how cold it feels.  This has been tested in cold climates as well and the water is rarely much colder. 

Give cold showers a try and within a few weeks you will notice all of the benefits mentioned and you will never turn back.