By: Trent Soares
Next time you take a shower make it cold. Yes its hard, extremely hard, but as Weldedters you guys have done much worse. Personally, living with a toddler who loves to put her hands into her mouth, we are constantly fighting germs in our household. Recently I have been getting sick out of the ordinary. Which brings me to my first reason to take a cold shower:
IMPROVE IMMUNITY
During the process the body tries to warm itself during and after a cold shower. This shift causes the metabolic rate to speed up and activates the immune system, as a result leads to the release of more white blood cells.
Here are some benefits that may motivate you to take the plunge:
IMPROVE CIRCULATION
In fitness we understand that good blood circulation is vital for cardio vascular health. This process also speeds up recovery time form strenuous exercise and work. Although it won’t be as effective as a fully submersed ice bath, it will also help remove some lactic acid.
RELIEVES DEPRESSION
Cold showers stimulate what is known as “the blue spot,” which is the brains primary source of noradrenaline – a chemical which plays a role in alleviating depression. Plus the mild electroshock delivered to the brain by the cold shower sends an overwhelming amount of electrical impulses from peripheral nerve endings to the brain, which could result in an anti-depressive effect.(https://www.menprovement.com/benefits-of-cold-showers/)
CAFFINE HIGH
I am able to take a morning shower after my workout around 10am and boy does this cold shower wake me back up. I have found that upon drying off, the sensation continues throughout the day. Might be due to the fact that on some days it causes you to jump up and down and hyperventilate, but it gets the job done.
I do not discriminate against warm showers, although I would suggest you try out a cold one soon as winter approaches. My goal for you is to spend at least three minutes a day in the coldest possible setting. Good Luck!