After 30 days of cold showers, most individuals report feeling more alert, having more energy, having healthier skin and hair, improved mental health and resilience, improved circulation, and more. From my viewpoint, I noticed an increase in morning alertness every single day.
In one clinical study, participants who took daily cold showers for several months reported decreased depression symptoms. Additional research suggests that cold water may boost your mood and decrease anxiety.
Mental Health Benefits of Cold Showers
A chilly zap from cold water signals to your brain to release endorphins, the feel-good hormone. This may create: A decrease in depression symptoms and anxiety. Improvement in stress levels.
Increases focus and feel-good hormones by up to 530%
A study found that cold water therapy could increase plasma noradrenaline and dopamine concentrations up to 530% and 250%, respectively, while also decreasing cortisol levels by 17%.
A youthful-looking complexion is only possible with proper blood circulation. Poor skin blood flow results in dry, dull, and aged complexion. Given that cold water improves blood flow, you're essentially helping your skin prevent premature skin aging every time you shower using cold water.
After 30 days of cold showers, most individuals report feeling more alert, having more energy, having healthier skin and hair, improved mental health and resilience, improved circulation, and more.
Cold water can help close pores, preventing dirt and bacteria from getting into the skin. Cold water can also help to reduce inflammation and redness in the skin. Cold showers can increase circulation, which gives your skin a healthy glow.
Disadvantages Of Cold Showers
Cold showers can make you feel worse if you are unwell as it can have an adverse effect on your immune system. If you already have a cold, cough or fever, you will feel colder and your body will take longer to warm up.
One study showed significant and prolonged increases in dopamine when people were in cool (60°F) water for about an hour up to their neck, with their head above water. Other studies describe significant increases in epinephrine from just 20 seconds in very cold water (~40°F).
May Boost Your Mood
Past research reveals that submerging your body in cold water increases dopamine concentrations by 250 percent. Dopamine is known as the “feel-good” hormone because of the key role it plays in regulating mood, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Cold Therapy Exposure to cold increases norepinephrine levels by up to 500%. Norepinephrine enables brain plasticity and cell metabolism. It can help you enhance: • Mood • Focus • Attention • Vigilance A 3-minute cold shower provides huge returns.
The best time to take a cold shower is in the morning, as it kick-starts your system ready for the rest of the day. If you struggle to take the plunge, start with your feet and hands and submerge one limb at a time.
According to a study by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, taking cold showers for two to three minutes, once or twice a day (preceded by a five-minute 'adjustment period' of slowly cooling water) could help to relieve symptoms of depression.
Additionally, cold showers can improve clarity and focus when we are experiencing brain fog. Dr. Talib explains this increase of oxygen levels acts as a “natural dose of energy,” which is why we feel so invigorated after a good plunge at the spa.
Cold showers are all the rage, and they can reduce your energy bills, even as they literally stress your body into releasing hormones. Called catecholamines, these hormones made by your adrenal glands (located just above your kidneys) are released into the body in response to physical or emotional stress.
“The body responds to cold water by up-regulating feel-good molecules like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, as a way to compensate.”
If you're sick, pregnant, or have a heart or lung condition, it's best to avoid cold showers until you consult a healthcare provider to determine if they're safe for you.
People with comorbidities should refrain from taking a cold shower. For instance, if you are suffering from heart disease, or even high blood pressure, taking a bath with cold water can deteriorate your health.”
Cold showers increase blood flow to your brain, delivering a bumper hit of oxygen and nutrients that improve your concentration, alertness and mental clarity.
Cold water can also help slow the aging process by stimulating collagen production in your skin.
* Washing the face with cold water also makes it look younger. The same logic is applied when you rub an ice cube on your face, which is considered to be another skincare hit. Just splashing your face with cold water can reduce the fine lines and wrinkles on your face considerably.
Colder temperatures can act as a tonic or astringent reducing clogged pores and keeping them less visible. Cold weather also slows down and prevents the secretion of sebum, keeping shine at bay and waterproofing your skin and hair. Open pores and less oil means reduced acne as well.