There has been a recent trend of influencers who have been promoting the benefits of taking cold showers. It seems that the benefits of a cold shower goes beyond just waking you up to have a clear-headed mind to start your day.
Benefits of Cold Showers
Benefits of taking a cold shower include:
calming itchy skin
waking you up
increasing circulation
reducing muscle soreness post-workout
potentially boosting weight loss
glowing hair and skin
Cold showers calm itchy skin
If you have itchy skin or skin conditions that cause you to itch, cold showers can help you overcome the sensation to scratch.
Cold showers help you wake up in the morning
When that cold spray hits your body, there will be a bit of shock. This shock increases:
oxygen intake
heart rate
alertness
Cold showers increase your circulation
Increased circulation is one of the top reasons experts recommend cold showers. As cold water hits your body and external limbs, it constricts circulation on the surface of your body. This causes blood in your deeper tissues to circulate at faster rates to maintain ideal body temperature.
In that sense, a cold shower has the opposite effect of a hot shower for someone with hypertension or cardiovascular disease, since exposure to cold temperatures triggers the circulatory system to reduce inflammation and can help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Cold showers help reduce muscle soreness after intense workouts
Since cold water has regenerative properties, your muscles will relax and repair after a tough workout.
Cold showers may help boost weight loss
Some fat cells, such as brown fat, can generate heat by burning fat. They do this when your body is exposed to cold conditions like in a shower. These cells are mostly situated around the neck and shoulder area, so it is perfect for showers!
Cold showers give your skin and hair a healthy glow
Though scientific research is limited regarding the effect cold water has on your skin and hair, anecdotal evidence points to positive effects. Wellness expert Dr. Jacqueline Schaffer, MD, says that cold water tightens and constricts the blood flow which gives your skin a healthier glow.
According to an article published on the website NaturallyCurly.com, cold water closes and strengthens your hair cuticles. In addition, cold water, unlike hot water, does not dry out the sebum layer, a naturally lubricated barrier that provides protection for your skin and hair. As a result of the effects of cold water, your hair may be more likely to become stronger and healthier over time.
If you’re convinced a cold shower is totally out of the question, you might want to rethink your philosophy. Unlike the long list of benefits that come with taking a cold shower, the list of cons is surprisingly quite short.
Discussion Points:
What is your experience of cold showers? Do you observe any changes in your body and general well-being?
Tags: #coldshower, #antistress, #focus, #relax
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