Should You Take Cold Showers?

From boosting your immune system to improving skin health, the benefits of cold exposure have been praised by many, but do they hold up to the claims? We decided to take the plunge and try cold showers for seven days. Here’s what we learned.

Why Cold Showers Are Trending?

Cold showers are no longer just a tough challenge for the brave; they’ve become a mainstream wellness trend. The idea behind cold exposure is that it can provide a range of health benefits, from improving circulation to increasing energy levels. Whether it’s through social media influencers, fitness gurus, or mental health advocates, cold showers are being touted as a shortcut to better health. But is it all just a trend, or is there some science behind the hype?

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: Mood - Shocked but Energized

On the first day, the initial shock of cold water was intense. We couldn’t stay under for long, but even the brief exposure left us feeling more awake and alert. It wasn’t comfortable, but the immediate energy boost was undeniable. The cold shower also felt like a great way to reset after a stressful day, leaving us feeling less anxious.

Day 2: Energy - Increased Alertness

By the second day, our bodies began adjusting to the cold, and we noticed that it wasn’t as jarring. We felt more alert and refreshed, as if we had just woken up from a full night’s sleep. Despite being tired, the cold shower revived us quickly, and our energy lasted much longer throughout the day.

Day 3: Sleep - A Better Night’s Rest

On the third day, we noticed something surprising: we slept better. The cold showers seemed to calm our bodies and make falling asleep easier. While we expected a cold shock to disrupt our sleep cycle, it turned out that it helped our bodies wind down faster, likely due to improved circulation.

Day 4: Skin - Smoother and Healthier Looking

After four days, we started noticing improvements in our skin. The cold water seemed to tighten pores and improve skin texture. We felt that our skin looked more refreshed, especially in the mornings when it looked dull. This might be due to increased blood flow, which can boost skin health.

Day 5-7: Continued Benefits

By days five through seven, the benefits of cold showers were more noticeable. We continued to feel energized and experienced more restful sleep. Our skin looked clearer, and the initial shock of the cold water became less intimidating. The longer we stuck with it, the more we felt accustomed to the cold, and the benefits became more tangible.

Science Perspective

Cold showers are backed by science in a few key areas. When you expose your body to cold water, your blood vessels constrict, sending blood to your core to protect vital organs. This process can boost circulation and help improve overall cardiovascular health. Additionally, cold exposure is believed to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which can strengthen the immune system.

Another potential benefit is fat burning. Studies suggest that cold exposure activates brown fat, a type of fat that generates heat by burning calories. This can lead to a slight increase in metabolic rate, although the effect is minimal compared to more intense fat-burning methods like exercise.

In terms of mental clarity, cold showers may also trigger the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural "feel-good" hormones. This can help with reducing stress, improving mood, and increasing mental focus, making cold showers an excellent way to kickstart the day.

What to Expect?

The initial shock of stepping into cold water is intense. It’s not a pleasant experience at first, but after a few seconds, your body begins to adjust. Expect a sharp, involuntary gasp when you first turn on the cold water. Over time, you’ll likely find that the shock becomes more tolerable.

Adjustment is key, so don’t expect to be comfortable on your first day. Start slow and work your way up to longer sessions. Most people recommend starting with lukewarm water and gradually turning it colder until you’re used to it.

The best time to take a cold shower largely depends on your personal goals. If you’re looking to boost energy and focus, it’s best to do it in the morning. For a relaxing and soothing effect, evening cold showers may work better, especially if they help you unwind.

Tips for First Timers

If you’re new to cold showers, don’t jump straight into freezing water. Instead, start with a warm shower and gradually lower the temperature as your body gets used to the cold. The goal is to avoid shocking your system too much, so take it slow and focus on your breathing.

To make the process easier, focus on your breath while under the cold water. Deep, steady breaths can help you stay calm and relaxed as the cold water invigorates your body. This breathing technique can also enhance the mood-boosting effects of the shower.

Final Verdict

After a week of cold showers, it’s clear that the benefits are real, but they aren’t magical. Cold showers can provide an energy boost, improve sleep, enhance skin health, and even support fat burning. However, they aren’t a cure-all. The initial discomfort can be off-putting, and it takes time to adjust.

If you’re someone who enjoys a challenge and wants to experiment with your health, then cold showers might be worth it. If you’re looking for quick results without the discomfort, you might want to consider other wellness hacks that provide faster relief.