There’s nothing wrong with a cup of joe in the morning to kickstart your day but the data is in; cold showers are better at waking you up than caffeine.

This comes from a dedicated coffee drinker.

While there are many amazing health benefits to drinking coffee, a cold shower has been found to have amazing benefits as well.

Keep reading to learn all about cold showers and why you should dive right into them, today!

What a Cold Shows Physically Does

Cold showers can cause physical changes in the body.

Circulation is activated in the body, helping oxygenate the system.

The cold temp can refine hair and skin and may help muscles.

Some studies even link cold showers to getting sick less.

What a Cold Shower Mentally Does

Cold showers also have mental benefits.

They can help increase alertness and boost moods due to the increased oxygenation of the system

Some studies have found that symptoms of depression decrease when a person takes a cold shower

Benefits of a Cold Shower

A cold shower can have immeasurable benefits, especially in the morning.

The cold temperature activates the circulation, helps keep the skin smooth, preserves moisture, and alerts the nervous system. 

Its daily use ensures overall wellbeing for our bodies, from our skin to our cells.

Check out the entire list of benefits to taking a cold shower below.

• Skin tone and texture can improve with improved circulation.
• They help to retain natural oils in the hair and strengthen the hair follicle.
• Cold water also activates the nervous system, stimulating the secretion of certain neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, which increases attentiveness and improves mood.
• It helps improve the quality of sleep; although the cold shower causes an alert state, hours later it also produces a greater relaxation of the body and therefore a better conciliation of sleep.
• Cold water can temporarily accelerate the metabolism by consuming the energy resources stored in the body, eliminating sugars and fats, which help to control weight.
• It improves circulation, the cold causes our heart rate to increase, and blood vessels contract. In this way, the blood travels at high speed and is loaded with oxygen to the main organs and muscles.
• Relieves or reduces muscle aches and headaches, if any. 
• They can help reduce chronic pain 
• Helps to control stress.

Disadvantages of Taking a Cold Shower?

While cold showers can have a great effect on overall wellbeing, they may not be the right choice for everyone.

There are other ways to increase circulation (such as going for a brisk walk) and there are better ways to lose weight (such as eating mindfully.)

Additionally, in colder months it’s just uncomfortable.

It may not be the best idea for someone who is ill already. Cold showers may prevent a cold, but if you are already sick, the body should focus on combating the illness.

If you take a cold shower in a sick state the body is forced to work to keep you warm, expanding valuable energy it could be using to heal.

Speaking Personally

The best time I’ve found to take a cold shower is right after a workout.

This is after I’ve had coffee (as coffee can increase the amount of fat burned during exercise).

After heating up, it’s the best feeling in the world to cool down.

As someone who tends to get cold easily, I have to say I start off with lukewarm water then decrease the temperature until it’s chilly.

It is by no means an ice bath, but the benefits are still there.

Cold showers are easier this way, and like any other habit you do repetitively, you do get used to it.

(But I refuse to take cold showers in the winter).

The Takeaway

Cold showers can improve mood, increase circulation, increase weight loss, and improve the look of your skin and hair.

The cold water helps decrease stress, increase alertness, and will probably help you save up on utility costs.

The downside?

Well, the cold.

Try it out and see if you can endure the chill!

Remember that health starts from within. 

Give your body the building blocks it needs for wellness to flourish!