From improving your metabolism to boosting your mood, these are the reasons why you should take a cold shower every morning.

Doing so may sound like a punishment, but it is actually the entire opposite. Staying healthy and maintaining habits in the long-term is a real problem for many men.

However, a simple act like taking a cold shower every morning can change your life 180° degrees. This habit has several benefits for both your physical and mental health, and all you have to do is lower the water’s temperature to -21° Celsius approximately (that is 70° Fahrenheit).

The first time you do it, it won’t feel good to be honest. But after a couple of days doing it every morning, you will start to see all the pros. Ideally, you should stay under the cold water for about five minutes, yet the truth is you won’t be able to handle it on your first try.

The best approach is to start with one minute a day, for example, and increase time and temperature gradually. It’s going to be uncomfortable, especially at the beginning, but it’s not meant to be unbearable of course.

Boost your mood and improve your energy

Cold water stimulates the production of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, dopamine and endorphins. In other words, these neurotransmitters are triggered by the cold water and they send signals or impulses to the brain.

On one hand, norepinephrine and dopamine will boost your energy in a blink of an eye. If you have a hard time waking up in the morning, then this is the solution. These two hormones are directly connected to your nervous system and can increase your energy more than a cup of coffee.

On the other hand, endorphins are mood-regulators. These are the same chemicals that are released when you are exercising, for example. Endorphins help relieve symptoms of depression, they improve your humour, your focus and even your mental clarity.

Moreover, you will not only feel stronger and healthier, it will boost your confidence as well. It may not seem like a big deal, but actually being able to take a cold shower everyday is an act of strength and determination. You are stepping out of your comfort zone.

Better circulation and metabolism

In addition, taking a cold shower every morning will help improve your blood circulation. How does it work? Our bodies are constantly working to keep us warm.

When we lower our temperature by taking a cold shower, we force our body to work harder and pump blood faster to keep us warm. Better circulation means you will be less likely to suffer from a heart attack, angina, having a stroke, among many others.

This mechanism not only boosts your circulation, but it also boosts your metabolism. Because your body starts working harder to heat itself back up, it also starts burning calories. Speaking of which, this is how to achieve a healthy diet.

If you work out in the morning, then this could easily be your warm up. As well, if you are on a diet and trying to lose weight, you can incorporate this habit into your daily routine. These are the best exercise routines for men.

Faster recovery

A cold shower can be useful before training, but afterwards too. Freezing water improves blood circulation, which helps your tissues and muscles recover faster. It reduces swelling and inflammation, and it provides the body with fresh oxygen and nutrients. At the same time, it pushes lactic acid and other toxins away.

In fact, this practice is very common among athletes, such as tennis players or F1 drivers, because the recovery is much faster.

Stronger immune system

Another benefit for your health is that taking a cold shower every morning improves the number of white blood cells in your body. These cells are responsible for defending you against common illnesses and infections.

An icy shower is both a preventive and protective measure because even if you get sick, you won’t feel as bad as you used to. That is, less pain and faster recovery.

Play it safe

During fall and winter, it will undoubtedly take more time for your body to warm up. Therefore, try taking the necessary precautions before taking a cold shower with said weather.

As well, if you have been diagnosed with a condition, you are immunocompromised or you are taking medication (whether it is for your physical or mental health), then talk to your doctor before incorporating this habit.

There are numerous benefits for taking a cold bath, yet it is always better to check with your doctor first. Cold showers are great and absolutely beneficial, but they don’t replace any treatment at all.

If you are not feeling well or if you have recently been in the hospital, then take a few days off before jumping on this habit again.

Ready to start

A simple thing like taking a cold shower for a few minutes everyday can provide you with all these benefits. And you can repeat this habit once or twice a day.

Just remember, you don’t have to start with five minutes a day straight away. You can begin with 30 seconds, for example, and lower the temperature each day that goes by. As we said earlier, a cold shower might be uncomfortable at first, but you should try to enjoy the process along the way.

Another alternative is to alternate cold and hot showers. If you can’t handle the shock of the cold shower, this is a good way to get started. Similarly to alternating temperatures, you can also take it step by step.

Step away from the cold water and start by rinsing your arms first. Then, continue with the legs and, once you’ve settled, jump entirely under the freezing water. It’s just like when you go to the beach: some prefer to dive right into the sea, while others prefer to take it slowly.

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