Cold showers can be dreadful and the thought of putting ourselves under bone-chilling water can be off-putting, especially when it’s already chilly in the mornings. However, the discomfort and torture that comes with cold showers does have its rewards on our body and skin. Hop right in:
1. Increases alertness and mood – A cold shower is like a real wake up call. The shock that comes with it actually increases your oxygen intake and helps keep you warm. It increases your heart rate and gives you a dose of energy to start off your day. Similarly, the impact sends signals to the brain and it produces an anti-depressant effect, boosting your mood.
2. Encourages immunity and circulation – The cold water improves your circulation by encouraging blood flow throughout your body, thus, helping to combat some heart and skin diseases. The efficient pumping of blood also releases virus-fighting white blood cells that would strengthen your overall immunity.
3. Improves hair and skin – Cold water tightens your pores and wouldn’t dry out your skin like hot water does. It retains the natural oils of the hair and skin. Additionally, cold water on the hair makes it stronger, shinier and healthier as it protects the scalp and hair follicles.
4. Burns fat – When your body is hit with extreme cold temperatures, the brown fat in your body generates heat to keep your body warm. This increases your metabolic rate in whole and can assist you in weight loss if you take cold showers regularly.
5. Boosts recovery after exercise – If your muscles are sore after your hot yoga session, take a cold shower immediately to soothe and relieve your agony. Muscle soreness lasts for days and cold showers would do the trick to speed up the process of your recovery.
