A Cold Shower Every Day Will Change Your Life

8 Benefits of a Daily Cold Shower

One thing I try to do every morning is take a freezing cold shower. I am often asked why I start my day with this “painful” ritual so I thought I would share the reasons why I do it and the benefits. I also want to give credit to Ben Greenfield (Bengreenfield.com) who I listen too regularly who was instrumental in my decision to try it out.

I should start by saying, it hasn’t been easy and I find that after doing now for over 3 months, it is getting marginally easier. I should also say that after doing this practice almost every day, I feel great and am ready to tackle the day full on.

Here I share the benefits I have personally found from having a daily cold shower.

1.It will Wake you up.

I am sure you know the feeling of jumping in a cold lake or ocean and how invigorating it makes us feel.  A cold shower is similar and after a 5 minute cold shower, I can tell you I am wide awake and ready to face the day!

2. It increases metabolism

A cold shower instantly causes an increase in heart rate and metabolism. This increase in metabolism lasts for a number of hours following the cold shower and has a similar effect to exercise in the morning. This increase in metabolic rate by having a cold shower also has been associated with weight loss.

3. Teaches You To Deep Breath

We all know the positive benefits of deep breathing on our health.  You will find when you shift the temperature gauge over to cold water, you will automatically find a need to “deep breath”. I make it a practice of “slowing” my breathing when I have my cold shower and practice 4 seconds in, hold, 4 seconds release and repeat.

3.Improves Circulation

Cold water improves circulation as it causes blood to surround our organs. As we take our cold shower, its ability to get blood circulating leads to better efficiency to pump blood, therefore boosting overall heart health. It can also lead to lower blood pressure and an improved immune system.

4.Relieves sore muscles and reduces inflammation

Many pro and amateur athletes, submerse themselves in a cold “ice bath” in order to improve healing and reduce soreness. We also know that for any injury, we are taught to “ice” the injury as it will reduce inflammation. This same concept holds true by having a freezing cold shower. I find that a cold shower helps my muscles recover much quicker and reduces inflammation which reduces soreness and allows me to have a better workout the following day.

5.Heart Protector

The theory is that by “shocking” the heart by having a cold shower, it has a positive effect on longevity by making the heart stronger. By subjecting the heart to sudden cold, it acts as training stimulus for the heart so when you are subject to stressful situations in the future, your heart will be better able to adapt to the stress.

6.Improved Immunity

I have read that having a cold shower increases the production of our White blood cell count which strengthens our immunity. For example, leukocytes help fight infection in the body and the shock of cold water in the bloodstream stimulates leukocytes. This means that taking cold showers can help your resistance to common illnesses, like colds and the flu.

I have personally found this to be true as I have not had a cold, the flu or been sick in any way over the past 3 winter months while I have been having a cold shower daily.

7.”Happiness” Therapy – Releases Endorphins

I would suggest that a cold shower does not make you “happy” when actually having the cold shower, but does improve your mood and happiness for the day. Cold water sends electrical impulses to our brian and endorphins, which are known as the “happiness” hormones are also released. These endorphins are also released when we exercise which is why athletes report how great they feel after they have a workout. This leads to a feeling of optimism and well being and I find a great way to start the day.

8.Keeps You Warm

It is counter intuitive, but a cold shower actually makes you warmer the rest of the day. I have found that since having a daily cold shower, I rarely get cold and the cold weather does not seem to affect me the way it did previously.

How Do You Start 

The easiest way to start this cold water therapy is as the saying goes, just do it. Tomorrow morning after you have had your regular warm shower, turn the temperature over to cold and try to keep the cold water on for as long as you can. I try to do 5 minutes per day to finish my shower which I have read is the optimal time to have a positive effect.

Enjoy your Cold Shower!

Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy week, Kev