Chill Out - Discover the 8 Benefits of a Cold Shower, as Revealed by Experts
Imagining willingly subjecting yourself to a polar plunge doesn't exactly sound like a thrilling adventure. But believe it or not, there's actually a clever method hidden in this madness. You see, a simple Cold Shower comes with a barrage of benefits that even top athletes swear by. So it's time to quash those shivers and embrace the icy clean. We're not just puffing out cold air here as scientists have gone nuts studying the perks of this chilling habit. Picture a boosted metabolism, a mental boost that could rival a triple espresso, stress levels that drop like a stone and even relief for those achy joints. It's like a secret passageway to a healthier you. And hold on, because the experts have chimed in with some cold, hard truths to back up these claims.
Now, before you go thinking this is some ancient torture technique, cold water immersion has been around longer than those designer shoes you've been eyeing. The Ancient Greeks were all over this icy concept, using it as a way to unwind and socialise. Anyway, we've taken it to a whole new level of trendy. Enter the Plunge or the Pod Company Ice Pod – hip and immersive cold baths designed to make you feel like the coolest kid on the health block. But let's not get too caught up in these fancy contraptions and extravagant price tags. Majdoline Jayoushe, MD, a master in the art of internal medicine and associate professor at Mount Sinai Faculty Practice Primary Care Associates, says you can embrace this practice without breaking the bank. Just jackpot yourself an unheated pool or summon the courage to step foot into a refreshingly Cold Shower. Who knew improving your health could be as simple as biting the bullet (or in this case, the icicle) and getting wet?
Alright, it's time to tap into your inner Viking spirit, take a bold leap into the frigid abyss, and unearth the magnificent treasures that lie ahead. There's an oddly irresistible allure to embracing the bone-chilling cold, and as fate would have it, the health benefits that come along are just the icing on a frosty cake. Prepare to be amazed as Dr. Jayoushe presents a list of perks that cold therapy brings forth: First and foremost, say goodbye to inflammation and swelling for cold therapy has the power to diminish these foes. Joint pain and pesky muscle soreness shall also cower in fear, as they are banished with a wave of cold's mighty hand. As if that weren't enough, our immune systems shall soar to new heights, becoming as formidable as an army of fearsome Vikings. Our overall well-being shall bask in the glow of improvement, as cold therapy showers us with its blessings. But wait, there's more! Witness the miracle of enhanced metabolism and the shedding of unwanted pounds. Yes, the frosty embrace of cold therapy shall guide us towards a healthy and triumphant victory over excess weight. Insulin sensitivity, that mischievous foe standing in the way of our well-being, shall tremble in the face of cold therapy. The risk of succumbing to the clutches of type 2 diabetes is thus mercilessly reduced.
And finally, in our quest for mental fortitude, we find that cold therapy is a valiant warrior against the relentless army of depression. Its icy touch shall aid us in the battle, helping us reclaim our spirits and conquer the darkness that lingers within. So, brace yourselves for the wonders that await in the realm of cold therapy. Embrace the frost, relish the chilly abyss, and let the benefits of this icy expedition transform you into the most resilient and formidable Viking that walks this frosty earth.
“Think of it as a mini ‘shock’ to your system,” she says. “When you're in cold water, your brain is too busy focusing on making the unpleasant sensation go away rather than thinking about all the reasons you are unhappy or stressed. It helps you get out of your head.” She goes on to explain that the body goes into a “fight-or-flight” response when the shock of cold water hits our body, causing it to release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. As a response to these signals, she says the body will compensate by hyperventilating, increasing heart rate, and constricting blood vessels. Once our skin adapts to the cold temperature, we get a surge of “feel good” hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins which will leave us feeling happy, relaxed, and mentally rejuvenated after a cold shower.
Taking a Cold Shower - What is the Best Way?
Wading into the icy depths of a cold shower is not for the faint of heart. But fear not, for I have a cunning plan to conquer this chilling challenge. First, we shall embark on a slow and steady journey towards cold shower mastery. As the great sage Jayoushe advises, start by dipping your toes into the frigid abyss. Gradually increase the coldness, like a daredevil turning the temperature knob from hot to cold, until you find a chilly equilibrium that doesn't freeze your bits off. Hold on! There's more wisdom to be bestowed upon you. Take deep breaths, conquer your shivers, and move under the shower with the grace of a water nymph. Allow the icy droplets to cascade across your body, distributing their frosty goodness in the most even and fair manner possible. Now, let us discuss the ideal temperature for this Arctic adventure. A true cold shower must boast no thermometer reading above a mere 60 degrees Fahrenheit (that's a frigid 15 degrees Celsius for my metric-minded mates). Anything warmer and you'll be basking in lukewarm mediocrity, a pitiful excuse for a cold shower.
But when is the optimal time to undertake this chilly endeavour, you ask? Cold therapy scientists whisper in the winds of knowledge that the late afternoon or evening is the golden hour. You see, our core body temperature dances a delicate tango throughout the day, and it reaches its coldest point in the early hours of dawn. So, by venturing into the cold shower abyss when the light starts to wane, you shall truly experience the biting embrace of the cold gods. Now, armed with these icy pearls of wisdom, go forth and conquer the cold shower adventure. Be brave, be bold, and embrace the chill like a champion of clean.
For How Long Should I Take a Cold Shower?
Want to make the most of a Cold Shower? Well, you don't need to turn into a human icicle for hours on end - thankfully. According to a groovy study in the Netherlands from 2016, spending as little as 30 to 90 seconds in a cold shower can help reduce your sick days by a whopping 29% compared to those who haven't embraced the chill. So, while we're not suggesting you turn into a human popsicle (we'll get to that later), a mere few seconds of cold water can work miracles for your body and overall well-being. Take it from Jayoushe, who recommends starting with just a quick dip in the icy waters for a couple of seconds. As your body becomes BFFs with the cold, gradually increase your exposure by five seconds with each shower. Before you know it, you'll be braving the chilly H2O for a solid 30 seconds like a champion. Hey, it's all about building up that frosty tolerance.
Cold Shower VS Hot Shower
Alright, let's dive into the steamy debate of hot showers versus Cold Showers. Nicola, the expert, reveals that research suggests hot baths have a surprisingly uplifting effect on those battling the blues. It turns out, cold showers can also do the trick, but hot showers may be just what the doctor ordered for tackling depression. And let's not forget the magical power of hot water to combat the evil forces of insomnia and improve our beloved sleep quality. But hold on, Jayoushe jumps in with a piece of the puzzle. She claims that hot showers are the ultimate remedy for those annoying post-exercise muscle soreness. However, before we all start jumping for joy, Jayoushe wisely reminds us that we still need more scientific evidence to confirm if hot showers offer the same brain-boosting superpowers as their chilly counterparts. Oh and here's an unwelcome twist: too much heat can turn your beautiful skin and hair into dessert-ready dryness. So, let's set our temperature gauge to warm and strike a delightful balance. In conclusion, the battle between hot and Cold Showers may not yield a clear winner. Both sides have their perks and quirks. While hot showers can uplift our spirits and relieve muscle tension, Cold Showers earn their stripes with undeniable neurocognitive benefits. So, why not aim for a cosy, warm shower that satisfies both body and mind? It's like finding the ultimate sweet spot, where happiness cascades down with each droplet of water. Let us seek the holy grail of showering experiences, and may the warmth of satisfaction wash over us every time we step into our personal waterfall sanctuary.
What are the Disadvantages of Taking Chilly Showers?
OK, people, brace yourselves for some cold, hard truth about taking Cold Showers. You know, apart from the invigorating wake-up call they give you there are a few downsides to Antarctica-ing it in the bathroom. First off, we've got our pal Jayoushe, who's here to warn us about the risks of extended exposure to frosty temperatures. Yeah, turns out that if you're chilling under the cold water for more than 15 minutes, you might be flirting with hypothermia. And we're not talking about a little shivering here, folks. Hypothermia can mess with your nerves and cause some serious damage. Brrrr, that's not cool. But hold on, there's more! Nicola chimes in, reminding us that folks with heart conditions need to be extra careful before becoming human icicles. She's talking about those who already have cardiovascular problems, hypertension, or anything else that messes with their precious ticker. So, before you start turning blue in the shower, make sure you consult a doctor to see if it's the right move for your health. Safety first! Now, Jayoushe jumps back in the game to sound the alarm for our elderly mischief-makers out there. If you're an older fella or lady with heart issues and high blood pressure that's gone rogue, diving into cold therapy might not be worth the risk. Come on, guys, let's prioritise that doctor's visit and avoid any icy endeavours that could send our beloved grannies and grandpas on a chilly trip to the emergency room. They deserve better!
And hey, let's not exclude our buddies with Raynaud's disease from the party. Nicola wants us to know that these folks are extra sensitive to the cold, so they should definitely think twice before subjecting themselves to Arctic temperatures. We wouldn't want their circulation problems to go haywire, would we? Nope, let's keep those poor souls toasty and warm. Oh, and one last thing before we wrap this up: Nicola gives a shout-out to all the asthma warriors out there. If you're part of the wheezing squad, you might want to be cautious when it comes to icy escapades. Taking cold showers might be a breath-taking experience in more ways than one, so let's take it easy on those lungs, alright? Alright, folks, here's the deal. If you're curious about cold therapy but don't want to dive into the frosty abyss head-first (pun intended), fear not! Taking a simple Cold Shower can give you the best of both worlds. You'll still get that refreshing jolt, minus the risks that come with prolonged exposure. So, stay cool, stay witty and enjoy happy showering!
“Cold baths are one of the best things about winter.” - Mokokoma Mokhonoana
