The Benefits of Cold Showers

It goes without saying, most people look forward to their hot showers, especially first thing in the morning and at night, right before bed.

We get it, the feeling of that warm water falling over the body...amazing! And yes, while there are certainly benefits to hot showers (to be covered in another article), there are some huge benefits to cold showers, especially first thing in the morning.

Don't freak though! This isn't a torture session we are suggesting and there are ways to do it right. Quite the opposite.

When done right, we are all but certain you will LOVE incorporating these highly beneficial moments into your morning routine.

While research continues to show that cold showers provide a myriad of health benefits, we absolutely understand the mental hurdle most will have to overcome to give these a try so, after you read through the amazing benefits, check out our simple suggestion for adding them to your daily life.

You can thank us later! For now, onward...

Some Benefits of Cold Showers

• they increase the rate of blood circulation
• they help calm itchy, irritated skin
• they can enhance weight loss
• they can improve recovery and reduce muscle soreness
• they leave your skin and hair glowing
• they wake you up, leave you energized

Cold Showers Increase Blood Circulation

Hands down, this is one of the main reasons why experts recommend one taking cold showers first thing in the morning, upon waking. The moment cold water touches the external limbs and the body overall, blood circulation concentrates on the skin area. This ensures that blood which is in the deeper parts of the body starts circulating at a faster rate to maintain the right body temperature.

Cold Showers Soothe the Skin

If one has skin conditions that cause itching, or irritation of the skin, then taking a cold shower will help tremendously as it will again, increase blood flow to the areas, as well as, reduce the urge to scratch. This will prove to be very beneficial and assist in calming and keeping you comfortable.

Cold Showers Can Aid in Weight Loss

Did you know there are actually some good fat cells? It's true! Brown fat actually generates heat by burning fat. This happens when the body gets exposed to cold conditions (like when taking a cold shower). These cells are mostly located around the shoulder and neck area, the areas most likely taking the brunt of your cold shower.

Cold Showers Can Aid in Recovery and Reduce Muscle Soreness

Do you exercise or work a physically demanding job? If so, you might be happy to know that cold water has some regenerative properties that will begin the reparative process within the muscles. Think athletes and ice baths! And no, we are not saying you need to go to this extreme to reap some of the benefits, just giving you a visual example of how long we have known of this proven muscular recovery tool.

Cold Showers Will Enhance Your Beauty

Yup, we said it! Just a few minutes of cold water running over your head and body can make you more beautiful. It's true! Research has shown that a cold shower can constrict and tighten the blood flow and this gives your skin a glowing effect. In addition, cold water won't dry out the sebum layer, a naturally lubricated barrier that provides protection for your skin and hair, and thus, may lead to stronger, healthier hair over time.

Cold Showers Wake You Up

Ok, so some cold, hard truth here. No pun intended! We understand the thought of a cold shower might, alone, wake some up, but it really isn't as bad as you think, and the slight feeling of shock you feel when the water hits your skin initially, is GOOD SHOCK! This momentary shock increases the heart rate, increases the oxygen intake, and obviously your overall alertness as well. In mere seconds it's bye-bye grogginess and sleepy hangovers. You will not only survive, but you will feel more energized then you can probably imagine.

Our Cold Shower Suggestion

So, as you can see, the benefits of cold showers are numerous. While you might actually be wondering if they are worth the torturous visual you have in your head right now, take a deep breath and just consider our how-to on implementation because we are certainly not suggesting you forgo your warm water and just dive into 50 degrees. Not at all.

Tomorrow morning, upon waking, making your way to the shower. Go through your normal routine, but upon completing your shower rituals, simply turn your dial to cold and stand under the falling water for 10-15 seconds. That's it! A new, life-changing habit is now underway.

Two things to note, with time, you will want to begin to increase the length of time you stay under the cold water (try adding 5 seconds per session each week or something) and you CANNOT go back to warm water after the cold. In order to truly reap the rewards, you must END your shower with the cold water.

Don't worry, we are pretty sure your towel is not far away, and again, you WILL survive. But now you will be healthier, full of energy, and WIDE AWAKE too!

You're welcome! Enjoy!

Always Remember...

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Until next time...PROGRESS, not PERFECTION!

Don't forget, always consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

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