How Does Cold Water Affect Your Health

H O W K N O W Y O U D O

27

When you think of a relaxing shower, you probably think of water hot enough to cover everything in steam. This kind of shower is relaxing, sure, but how does water temperature impact your health? If you found out that cold showers might have benefits, would you consider changing your routine? We all have a responsibility to take care of ourselves, and it’s good to be aware of the possibilities of cold showers. Keep reading below to find out what strategies you can adopt to take advantage of the benefits of cold water!

How Does Cold Water Affect My Health?

First, we should define what qualifies as a cold shower. Different sources suggest that the temperature of “cold” water is anywhere from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but the best guide is your response to the water. If it feels cold, the benefits we describe below will take effect. The other thing to note about the benefits of cold water is that they hit their peak after a few minutes. In other words, a cold shower of three minutes will do just as much good for your body and mind as a cold shower of ten minutes. Keep this in mind when the discomfort of the cold hits. It’s only temporary!

How Should I Add Cold Water to My Routine?

If there’s a good chance that a brief cold shower will improve your day, you might be asking yourself how you can make the change. It’s uncomfortable when the water first hits you, of course, almost like a gentle version of electroshock therapy. But that’s exactly why cold showers are beneficial: your body’s response to the small stress of cold water improves your physical and emotional So how can you turn cold showers into activity? There are three main tips you to build the habit of using cold water.28 health. a daily can use

c o l d w a t e r s h o w e r s

First, adjust the water’s temperature slowly. The first time you decide to take a cold shower, add it to the end of your regular shower routine and slowly decrease the temperature until it feels cold. The most dramatic effect will come from turning the water from hot to cold immediately, of course. Still, if you’re like most people, then you’ll have to build up to that. It’s okay to start slow!

Next, keep the duration of your cold shower short. Your ability to tolerate cold water will grow with practice, but, at first, it’s alright to stand under the cold water for about thirty seconds. The critical thing is stepping outside of your comfort zone. Once you have a little experience, you can start to increase the length of your cold showers to the most effective three minutes discussed earlier.

Finally, focus on controlling your breathing. When the cold water first hits you, the temptation is to breathe more rapidly and tense up your entire body. Instead, focus on keeping your breathing regular and try not to shiver. The goal is to build up endurance, and breathing too fast and shivering make it more uncomfortable than it has to be. You can still reap the benefits of a cold shower that you calmly endure!

A Parting Reminder

With all of these benefits and strategies in mind, take a moment to ask yourself whether cold showers might be suitable for you. They’re shocking at first, of course, but the tips we discussed will go a long way in helping you build up a tolerance and start to see the benefits. With enough practice and time, cold showers can become a central part of your routine! 29