We’re not going to lie -- hot showers feel wonderful in the morning, especially if you wake up with aches and pains. But while hot showers are a great way to wind down at the end of the night, cold showers might be the pick-me-up you need in the morning.
They can set your whole tone for the day and help energize you so you can accomplish more. Not convinced?
Let’s look at what cold showers can do for you.
They Wake You Up
Feeling groggy in the morning is a common occurrence for many of us. Some people are like zombies in the morning, only coming to life after they’ve had a dose of caffeine. But cold showers -- ones that are 70 degrees Fahrenheit or lower -- are a healthy alternative and they don’t have you relying on substances to start your morning.
Think about the last time you jumped into a cold swimming pool. That icy blast might have taken your breathe away, but it certainly instantly woke you up.
How does cold water give you the jolt you need in the morning? The coldness of the water puts your body into a small state of shock. Electrical impulses are sent to the brain and your body responds accordingly by becoming more alert and having increased energy and clarity.
Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up quickly in the morning and be ready to take charge of your day right from the start? Think about how much more you could accomplish.
You wouldn’t have to wait for the caffeine to take effect.
They Give You A Rush of Endorphins
Endorphins are known as the feel-good hormones because we feel happier when they are coursing through our bodies. They can also cut down on the amount of pain we feel.
There are several ways to get your body to produce more endorphins, including exercise, volunteerism, laughing, and meditation. But one of the easiest ways to get a quick dose is to hop in a cold shower.
Unlike exercise or meditation, it doesn’t require any extra time to get that dose of endorphins because you’d be taking a shower anyway. It may even save you time, especially if you’re prone to taking long hot showers. The temperature of the cold water will make you want to exit the shower sooner.
It May Help With Depression and Anxiety
Endorphins can do more than give you a temporary feeling of elation. They can help ease the symptoms of anxiety or depression, according to some studies.
Anxiety and depression are big reasons for people feeling like they need caffeine or more sleep in the morning. These two conditions can prevent people from falling asleep when they go to bed, and they are a factor in why some people can’t stay asleep. Sleep deprivation can make anxiety and depression even worse.
Those who struggle with anxiety and depression should make endorphins and more rest a priority. To get more sleep at night, it might be wise to try a weighted blanket. People have embraced them for their ability to help alleviate stress and anxiety, and their use can lead to better sleep at night.
If you’re struggling with sleep issues and anxiety, some relief might be easily attained with a weighted blanket at night and a cold shower in the morning.
You Might Improve the Look of Your Skin and Hair
Unless you’re Jennifer Lopez, glowing skin doesn’t always come easily. Cold showers offer a way to improve your appearance each morning and feel confident enough to face your day.
How does this work? Cold water revs up your circulation by making your body try harder to keep a consistent core temperature. You’ll start pumping blood in a more efficient manner and it will reach throughout your body, leading to better overall circulation.
If you have a puffy face in the morning, cold water can bring the swelling down, as well as tightening your pores. That can help fight acne, too.
Some people swear by cold showers, saying it makes their hair look shinier. Perhaps it will and perhaps it won’t, but it may be an extra side perk to all the other benefits you get from that chilly blast.
While better-looking skin or hair isn’t a real health benefit, it can do wonders for our self-esteem. Sometimes, we feel better when we look better. If you feel confident, you’ll be ready to tackle anything.
You Can Rev Up Your Immune System
Some experts say daily cold water therapy, like a cold shower or bath, can help keep your immune system firing on all cylinders. Cold showers can increase the production and activity of leukocytes in the body. Leukocytes are white blood cells that help fight off diseases, such as colds or the flu.
Having fewer colds or flus throughout the year is an attractive benefit to a daily cold shower. Getting sick obviously feels terrible, but it can also sideline your productivity.
As it turns out, the cold shower benefits may not only apply to minor illnesses. Some studies are investigating whether cold water treatment may actually have anti-tumor properties for some forms of cancer as well.
Either way, a cold shower can benefit your overall health. One word of warning though: Don’t take a cold shower if you have a high fever. That might hurt rather than help you.
Work Your Way Up
If you’re not used to it, it can be tough to hop out of bed and right into a cold shower. If you’re the adventurous type, give it a try. But for the rest of us, we can slowly adjust to getting a cold shower.
If you still want that warm shower in the morning, you can start with that. Gradually turn the water cooler until it’s cold and spend your last five minutes in the shower getting those benefits of a cold shower. You might surprise yourself by realizing that you love the feel of it and what it can do for you.