Cold Shower benefits

“Standing under freezing cold showers every morning, – I did that. I got up to seven minutes most mornings, and it actually works; it immunizes your body, and your body starts getting used to the cold. It really works.”, Liam Neeson.

Cold showers are so amazing to your body and brain, many studies and discoveries in science proved all of the benefits I will mention below.

An effective Antidepressant

That is one of the most important and effective benefit of taking cold showers.

Many clinical trials proved that taking a cold shower for up to 5 minutes, at least 2-3 times a week, helps relieve symptom of depression. The exposure to cold activates the part of the nervous system that responds to stress, and increase the blood level of endorphins or the “feel-good” hormones it generates, and so it just makes you feel good and happier in general! 

Additionally, the effect of the cold on the skin sends pulses that go to the brain and result in an anti-depressive effect. It also promotes resilience, helps with anxiety, and helps you be more resilient to stress in general. Amazing!

What is recommended and what I do personally every single day, is to shower first with hot water ( the soap can lather and it cleans better!). Then in the end gradually change to cold water, and try to stay as long as possible, focusing on the chest and back of the neck area if you’re in a hurry. You can start with a few seconds under the cold water, with time you will get used to it and will be able to stay longer. You will even enjoy it, believe me.

Improves Immunity

You know how much it is important to have a strong immune system especially these days (you know right?!!!). Studies showed that regular cold showers increases the metabolic speed rate and number of virus-fighting white cells in the body. The two combined help your body fight diseases. As you have seen (or read), Liam Neeson already experienced it! (and me too!!)

Improves Circulation, your Skin and Hair

Cold water is invigorating. Because water is colder than our natural body temperature, it forces our body to work harder to maintain our normal temperature. With time, it makes our circulatory system more efficient, which contributes to a better looking skin because of a better circulation. Athletes have known those benefits for a long time, and that is why most of them take cold ice baths following a good practice or games. It promotes faster muscle recovery on top of better circulation.

Hot water can dry your skin, cold water actually tightens it. It prevents it from getting clogged, and so help fighting with acne, or just breakouts in general. It eliminates toxins. It can also help your scalp and hair. My hair-dressers already recommended that after washing and rinsing my hair, it is better to rinse it again with cold water, makes it healthier and shinier. So many beauty benefits!

Helps improve Metabolism

It activates the “good fat” in our body and helps with maintaining our global fat to a good level. Research show that it helps having the right level of certain hormones that heal the gastrointestinal system. Of course it is not a substitute to eating healthy and working out, but it can help fight obesity. In general it help having a better metabolism and so the ability to lose weight. 

The list is non exhaustive, cold showers have so many other health benefits.

So did I convince you of giving it a try? You should definitely do, even if it is for 3 seconds at the beginning, that’s how I started! What do you think?