The Hot New Thing: The Many Benefits of Cold Showers
We get it. Taking a cold shower by choice may not be the most appealing idea. But recently, thanks to wellness trends like cold plunges, cryotherapy, and the Wim Hof Method, health enthusiasts have quickly learned about the endless mental and physical benefits of a cold shower. Daring enough to embrace the chill? There are many reasons to consider making a cold shower a part of your daily shower ritual.
Physical Benefits of a Cold Shower
Consistently incorporating cold showers into your weekly routine comes with major physical benefits.
Boosts Immune System
Cold water therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, has been used for centuries to promote healing and improve overall health. One of the most significant benefits of taking a cold shower is that it can boost your immune system. When your body is exposed to cold water, it activates your immune system, which can help fight off infections and diseases.
Improves Blood Circulation
Cold water therapy can also improve blood circulation, which can have numerous benefits for your overall health. When you take a cold shower, your blood vessels constrict, which helps to push blood through your body more efficiently. This can also reduce inflammation, promote healing, and even improve your overall cardiovascular health.
Increase Alertness
A cold shower can increase alertness and wake you up in the morning. When your body is exposed to cold water, your heart rate and breathing increase, which can make you feel more awake and alert. This can be especially helpful if you're feeling groggy or tired in the morning and need a quick burst of energy.
For that extra zip to your rinse, try Energy Boost. This daily skin and mood booster will invigorate your senses and energize your day with its juicy burst of citrus that instantly turns your shower into a brisk wake-up call.
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Relieves Muscle Soreness
If you're someone who exercises regularly or has a physically demanding job, taking a cold shower can help to relieve muscle soreness and speed up recovery time. Cold water therapy can reduce inflammation and swelling in your muscles, which can help to ease pain and soreness.
hai tip: For that perfect post-workout shower, add hai’s Repair directly into your water stream. Designed with athletes in mind, Repair is formulated with healing eucalyptus to soothe muscles and aid rejuvenation. There’s no better feeling than turning your home shower into your personal sauna.
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Mental Benefits of a Cold Shower
A chilly rinse from cold water signals your brain to release endorphins (the feel-good hormone) and other great mental benefits.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Cold water therapy has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety by activating the sympathetic nervous system, which helps to reduce cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can have negative effects on both physical and mental health, so reducing its levels can be beneficial in many ways.
Increases Mental Clarity
A cold shower can also help to increase mental clarity and focus. When your body is exposed to cold water, your brain releases norepinephrine, which is a neurotransmitter that can help to improve mental focus and clarity. This can be especially helpful if you have a demanding job or need to stay focused and alert throughout the day.
Boosts Mood
Cold water therapy has also been shown to have mood-boosting effects. When your body is exposed to cold water, it releases endorphins, which are the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins can help to improve your mood and make you feel happier and more positive.
Improves Resilience
Taking a cold shower can help to improve your resilience and ability to handle stress. When you expose your body to cold water regularly, you're training it to adapt to stress and discomfort, which can make you more resilient in other areas of your life. This can help you to handle stressful situations more effectively and bounce back from setbacks more quickly.
How to Take a Cold Shower with hai
If you're convinced of the benefits of taking a cold shower and want to try it out for yourself, the hai Smart Showerhead makes it (relatively) easy to enjoy the uncomfortable experience. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Start Slow
If you're not used to cold water therapy, it's important to start slow. You don't want to shock your system by jumping into a freezing cold shower right away. Instead, start by gradually reducing the temperature of your shower over time until you can tolerate cold water.
hai tip: Researchers say to keep the water below 60 degrees for the ultimate cold shower. Set this temperature with the hai smart showerhead that allows you to select your preferred temperature using the hai app and sends an alert when the water has reached it.
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Focus on Your Breathing
When you first step into a cold shower, it's normal to feel a sense of panic or shock. To help calm your nervous system, focus on your breathing. Take slow, deep breaths and try to relax your body. Remind yourself that the discomfort is temporary and that you will start to feel better soon.
hai tip: Ease yourself into a cold rinse using aromatherapy. Infuse your shower’s water stream with hai’s Relax infusions for an aromatherapeutic and vitamin-rich hai experience to ignite the senses and settle the mind before taking on the cold.
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Gradually Increase Exposure Time
Once you're able to tolerate cold water, gradually increase the amount of time you spend in the shower. Start with just a few seconds and work your way up to a few minutes. You may find it helpful to alternate between hot and cold water to help ease your body into the experience.
End with Cold Water
If you're not ready to take a full cold shower, you can still experience some of the benefits by ending your shower with cold water. After you've finished washing, turn the water temperature down gradually until it's as cold as you can handle. Stand under the cold water for a minute or two before getting out of the shower.
Be Consistent
To experience the full benefits of cold water therapy, it's important to be consistent. Try to incorporate cold showers into your daily routine, either in the morning, after a workout, or before bed. Over time, your body will become more accustomed to the cold water, and you may even start to enjoy the experience.
Taking a cold shower may not be the most comfortable experience, but the benefits are well worth the discomfort. From boosting your immune system and improving blood circulation to reducing stress and anxiety and increasing mental clarity, there are numerous reasons to give cold water therapy a try. With time, practice, and a whole lot of courage, you'll be able to embrace the chill of this powerful practice in no time.
Speak with your doctor before starting a cold shower or cold plunge routine. Neither practice is advisable for people with certain medical conditions, including heart disease.
