Research suggests that hot showers alleviate anxiety as a result of the heat prompting our brains to release oxytocin — a “happy hormone” — which, in turn, reduces stress. Cold showers, on the other hand, are believed to enhance blood circulation, leading to stress reduction.
Anxiety may cause an increase in blood pressure, so in theory, a cold shower may help bring it down. Another way cold showers may work is by increasing endorphins, or the feel-good hormones in your brain. Endorphins can ease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Cold showers for mental health
Cold showers have been proven to positively stimulate blood circulation and lower blood pressure. Anxiety causes increased blood pressure. So, with a cold shower, you may help bring it down. The cold shock also releases the stress hormones norepinephrine, cortisol, and adrenaline.
Hot showers can even help reduce stress and anxiety because the heat can stimulate the brain's release of a hormone called oxytocin, which is known to be correlated to anti-stress effects, or relaxation [1].
Hot showers help to release the tension in the body and relax muscles. This induces a feeling of tiredness, which helps you sleep better. All you need to do is make sure the water is not too hot.
Generally speaking, there's more data to support that hot showers help improve sleep. This is likely because warm showers are thought to be relaxing, while cold showers are thought to be stimulating.
The key to the mindful shower (and a lot of mindfulness practices) is not to try to clear your mind, but to try to focus it deliberately on your surroundings. As you get in, take a moment to turn your shower to the perfect temperature. Notice the temperature shift in your bathroom as the shower heats the air.
Many theorize that cold showers could raise our endorphin levels (our feel-good hormones). At the same time, they can also decrease our cortisol levels (a stress-inducing hormone). As a result, this increase in endorphins and decrease in cortisol can help symptoms of anxiety and even depression.
While there's nothing more relaxing than a soak after a tiresome day, findings show that dips in hot water at temperatures of 39c to 40c could help to boost the mood of those with depression, anxiety and fever — working better than antidepressants.
A big event or a buildup of smaller stressful life situations may trigger excessive anxiety — for example, a death in the family, work stress or ongoing worry about finances. Personality. People with certain personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders than others are.
Distract yourself
Whenever you are experiencing anxious thoughts, doing something that 'fills your mind' and needs complete focus can be a good distraction. Small things like leaving the room or going outside can be effective. One other technique that some people use when calming their anxiety is counting backwards.
Anxiety can be caused by a variety of things: stress, genetics, brain chemistry, traumatic events, or environmental factors. Symptoms can be reduced with anti-anxiety medication. But even with medication, people may still experience some anxiety or even panic attacks.
An experience shower, also known as an emotional or sensorial shower, is an aquatic feature that's becoming increasingly common in stylish wellness spaces. They usually feature minimal designs, soothing colors, and often nature-inspired jet configurations.
It consists of alternating with hot and cold temperatures when showering in order to alter blood flow. The hot water causes blood vessels to dilate thereby shunting the blood to the surface, and cold water causes blood vessels to constrict, causing the blood to go deeper into organs.
Cold water as anxiety treatment
Anxiety often comes with an increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Exposure to cold water lowers the heart rate, which makes you feel calmer and thus less anxious.
In fact, bathing has been linked to improved mental health. This is because taking a warm shower can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. The body's reaction to being warm naturally relaxes your muscles and thoughts. Because of this mechanism, the risk of depressive symptoms is lower following a shower.
When incorporated into a bedtime routine, a nighttime shower may help send your brain the signal that it is time to sleep. Showering at night also ensures you will be cleaner when you go to bed, reducing the buildup of sweat, dirt, and body oils on your bedding.
Studies show that chamomile can help with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. While many of the studies on herbal supplements for anxiety are limited, the results are promising. You can find many of these (and other) supplements in capsule (pill) form. Many people also drink herbal teas to help them relax.
Some research suggests that loneliness is associated with an increased risk of certain mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep problems and increased stress.