If you're like most people, you hate the idea
of taking a cold shower.
We've gotten so used to showering in warm water that we only really notice it when it
runs out!
Warm showers can help you warm up and are incredibly relaxing, which is their greatest
benefit.
But have you ever stopped to think about the benefits of showering in cold water?
That's what we're going to be talking about in today's video...
Here are some benefits of taking cold showers:
They leave you feeling more alert If you normally feel sluggish and sleepy when
you wake up, try taking a cold shower.
Once your body makes contact with the cold water the temperature change causes it to
react.
Your breathing becomes heavier allowing you access to more oxygen and your heart rate
increases in order to balance your body temperature.
Due to the increase in circulation we stay awake and alert all day long.
They help burn fat Cold showers can help you lose weight in a
less conventional way.
Our body has two types of fat, what’s known as white adipose tissue or white fat and brown
adipose tissue or brown fat.
The white fat builds up in areas such as your neck, thigh, waist, and back.
It appears mainly due to excessive calorie intake.
Brown fat, on the other hand, is know as good fat, and generates heat in order to keep us
warm.
Studies have shown that showering in cold water can activate that fat, and it will burn
more calories.
This means that you could lose up to 9 pounds in a year if you keep up this habit.
They improve your skin and hair You've probably noticed that your hair and
skin get dried out when you take hot showers during the winter.
Cold water does the opposite, sealing up the ends of your hair and your pores, locking
moisture in.
They improve your immunity One of a cold shower's best benefits is the
sudden temperature change.
Also known as contrast bath therapy, this practice consists of starting with a warm
shower and turning the water suddenly to cold after a few minutes.
Scientists believe that this type of shower generates an increase in the immune system
cells, which could help your body fight off diseases.
They improve your circulation As we explained earlier, cold water causes
a reaction in your body, an increase in heart rate, which increases your circulation.
Furthermore, the contrast in temperature helps your body to better pump your blood through
your arteries, which has a positive impact on your overall health.
They fight depression You may be thinking, how can a simple cold
shower influence our mood and even fight depression?
Our skin has cold sensors which send electric impulses to our brain whenever it is in contact
with cold water, causing an anti-depressant effect on our body.
A study performed in 2008 showed that this type of shower produces an analgesic effect
that doesn't lead to any dependence or negative side effects.
They help our muscles to recover faster You've probably already seen athletes take
ice baths after an intense workout or practice to relieve muscle pain.
But you don't have to take it that far.
Studies have shown that even a cold shower can relieve muscle pain and increase recovery
time.
They relieve stress Taking a cold shower makes our body enter
stress mode which can actually increase our tolerance to stress and even certain diseases.
A study has shown that exposure to cold reduced the uric acid level in the participants.
This compound is related to the appearance of several different sicknesses.
The study also noted an increase our body's glutathione levels, an enzyme that serves
as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and natural blood purifier.
Now that you know every thing that there is to know about the benefits of taking a cold
shower, we're going to teach you how to do it.
If you've ever read any of the James Bond books you've probably noticed that he showers
differently.
He would start out in a hot shower and gradually lower the temperature until it was as cold
as it would go.
Also known as the James Bond shower, you can copy his secret routine by alternating between
hot and cold water every 20 to 30 seconds.
Once you're used to this, why not try a real cold shower?