Cold showers are showers taken with water that is cooler than room temperature. While the idea of taking a cold shower may seem unpleasant to some, there are several potential benefits to this practice. The water doesn't have to be freezing or icy cold. It is just colder than room temperature and not warm or scalding hot.
I have been taking cold showers for the last six months and I have noticed significant benefits to the practice including reduced muscle soreness after a gym session at CrossFit and improved skin and hair health.
I used to take mildly warm showers but it started to adversely affect my skin leaving it dry and prone to skin redness/rashes. It wasn't until I was diagnosed with Rosacea by my dermatologist that I switched to taking cold showers. The first minute or so of taking a cold shower is a nightmare. You can see goosebumps on your skin. But after the first minute, once your skin adjusts to the water temperature, it is extremely refreshing and pleasant.
Taking cold showers is similar to swimming in the ocean. The ocean water is always cold and freezing at first contact. But after the first couple of dips, you can swim in the ocean for hours.
Whether or not you should take cold showers depends on your personal preferences, health status, and lifestyle. Cold showers may be beneficial for some people, but they may not be suitable for others.
If you have any medical conditions or concerns, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider before trying cold showers. People with certain conditions, such as Raynaud's disease or a weakened immune system, may not be able to tolerate cold water well.
That being said, if you are generally healthy and do not have any medical concerns, taking cold showers can be a safe and invigorating experience. It's important to start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time you spend under cold water to avoid shock to the system. Some people find it helpful to begin by alternating between hot and cold water in the shower.
Benefits of cold showers include:
Increased alertness and energy: Cold water can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which can help increase alertness and provide an energy boost.
Improved circulation: Cold water causes blood vessels to constrict, which can improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
Reduced muscle soreness and recovery time: Cold water can help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, which can aid in muscle recovery after exercise.
Better skin and hair health: Cold water can help close pores, reduce oil production, and increase blood flow to the skin and scalp, which can lead to improved skin and hair health.
Reduced stress and anxiety: Cold water exposure has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
It's important to note that cold showers may not be suitable for everyone, and people with certain medical conditions should avoid them. Additionally, it's important to start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time spent under cold water to avoid shock to the system. As with any new health practice, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your routine.
About the author
My name is Shashank Mittal. I am a licensed Realtor and a Physical Therapist in the state of Maryland. Arilene and I love traveling. We both are CrossFit enthusiasts. Recently, I have found a passion for writing and sharing my thoughts on travel, real estate, fitness, and personal finance.
You can find me on IG @shashank_realtor and @boardingzonethree.
Follow on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/shashankmittal15.
YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@shashank_realtor
Comments