You come back home after an exhausting day at work, dead tired. But then you hop into a shower, and everything is good in life again. We all have been there, finding little moments of happiness in a shower. Whether it is singing our heart out or simply enjoying the simple pleasure of a shower, we might as well agree that showers are therapeutic, aren’t they?
But do you go for a hot shower or a cold shower? Does it really matter? Yes, it does. There is no denying that hot showers have their benefits, but so do cold showers.
Cold showers might not be a favourite option for many people, especially if they feel colder than others. But if you stop for a moment and go through the benefits we will be listing in this blog post, perhaps you might as well agree that they are worth the shot.
Increases your immunity to a common cold
If one ice cream or cold drink is enough to give you a common cold, it means you have poor immunity to common cold. This is where cold showers can be of help. The shock that your body receives from cold water can stimulate the blood cells that are responsible for fighting off infections (leukocytes). As per a study, it was observed that people who bathed in cold showers for 60 seconds, or 90 seconds for three months fell sick 29% less than people who didn’t bathe in cold showers.
Increases metabolism
Every time you feel warm when you are exposed to cold temperatures, thank your body. Your body works hard to keep you warm in colder temperatures. It does so by increasing metabolism and calorie burning in the body.
The fact that cold showers can increase your metabolism may get you excited if you are watching your weight, but just so you know the metabolic benefits of cold showers are only limited. A cold shower, in no way, can replace exercise and a healthy diet. It can only give your metabolism a slight boost, just enough to keep you warm.
Reduces inflammation
Cold temperatures can tighten your blood vessels. Consequently, the blood moves to the vital organs and the core area, making the blood naturally become nutrient-rich and oxygen-rich during the process.
As your body heats up again after being exposed to cold temperatures, the blood vessels expand, ultimately bringing that oxygenated blood back to the tissues. As it flows back, it flushes out inflammation. Inflammation can cause muscle soreness; cold showers can prevent it and you can work out as efficiently as you can.
Frizz-free and shiny hair
Hot showers may feel therapeutic but they can be harmful to your hair health. Just as heating tools damage your hair, hot showers can do the same. On the other hand, cold showers can increase the shine of your hair and make it frizz-free.
Cold water closes hair follicles, locking in any moisture and reducing the chance of your hair becoming dry and damaged.
Cold showers promote blood circulation
As mentioned before, cold showers can increase your metabolism, making the body work harder to keep you warm. This happens when the blood circulation is increased. And from what we know, improved blood circulation is highly beneficial for the body.
Cold showers can help with anxiety
There are a plethora of ways to deal with anxiety, but did you know cold showers are one of them? As per various studies, cold showers increase the production of feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters that can boost mood and improve depression and anxiety by altering the chemistry in the brain and body.
Closing thoughts
The benefits of cold showers cannot be overlooked. From enhancing physical and mental well-being to improving hair health, cold showers offer a wide array of advantages that can positively impact our daily lives. By embracing the invigorating power of cold water, we can boost our immune system, increase alertness, and foster a resilient mindset. While it may take some getting used to, the transformative effects of cold showers make them a worthwhile addition to our self-care routines. So why not take the plunge and experience the numerous benefits of cold showers for yourself? Embrace the chill and unlock a new level of vitality and rejuvenation that will leave you feeling refreshed, revitalised, and ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way.
