During the peak of the summer or after the gym, taking cold showers feels amazing. But other than that, we tend to avoid turning down the shower temperature and opt for warmer, comfier temperatures. But did you know that there are some benefits to cold showers? That’s right.
There are some surprising health benefits when taking cold showers daily that will have you exchanging the comfort of the heat for a more chilling experience. Read more to learn more about cold showers and their positive effects.
6. Fast Muscle Recovery
Taking a cold shower after working out feels incredible. After sweating and overheating in a gym or outside, it’s nice to get a chilly blast to clean off. But there’s actually a benefit to taking a cold water plunge. Cold showers and baths reduce the perception of fatigue after training, reduce muscle pain, and improve muscle recovery, so you get back to yourself without so much aching. That’s why cold water plunges are so popular after working out.
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5. Improves Metabolism
Another one of the many benefits of cold showers is that they improve metabolism. Of course, these studies focus more on weight loss, however, there isn’t a clear relation between the two. However, it’s clear that the body raises its metabolism in an attempt to keep the body warm. Cold temperatures are also known to activate the body’s brown fat, which plays an important role in adult health.
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4. Improves Skin and Hair Health
Not only are cold showers great for muscles and energy, but they’re also important if you want healthier skin and hair. Cold water is known to tighten and constrict blood flow, which gives your skin a healthy glow. And, of course, cold water helps tighten pores. They’re also great in preventing dry skin and hair.
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3. Improves Overall Mood
If your physical health isn’t enough of a sign to swap to cold showers more often, then what about your mental health? One of the main benefits of cold showers is that they improve your overall mood and mental health. Exposure to cold is known to activate the sympathetic nervous system and increase endorphins. Regularly showering in cold water increases energy levels, with equal effects as drinking caffeine.
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2. Helps Combat Common Illnesses
Another one of the main benefits of cold showers is their ability to combat common illnesses. The shock of cold water in the bloodstream stimulates leukocytes, which help fight infection in the body. Taking regular cold showers will increase your resistance to common illnesses like colds and the flu.
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1. Improves Circulation
Last but not least in the list of benefits of cold showers, we have the benefit of better circulation. While it’s uncomfortable to submerge yourself in a cold bath or shower, the fact that we’re in something that is colder than our natural body temperature causes the body to work harder to maintain core temperature. In turn, this makes our circulatory system more efficient. It’s the same reason why cold showers and cold water reduce inflammation.