Cold showers are believed by many people to have a wide range of potential benefits. Some of these benefits are subjective and based on anecdotal evidence, while others seem to have some scientific support.

Personally I became interested in this subject after watching YouTube videos about the ‘Ice Man’ Wim Hof. Wim actually has a more substantial program including breathing techniques and gradual cold exposure which starts with cold showers but also includes ice baths and other challenges. He is a pretty amazing guy, but that is the subject of another article….

Before I get to my own personal experience, here are some of the benefits which are commonly claimed for daily cold showers:

• Enhanced immune system
• Improved hormone activity and balance
• Improved mood (including improvement in symptoms of depression)
• Weight loss (through increase in brown fat burning and increased metabolism)
• Improved circulation
• Reduction in chronic pain
• Reduced inflammation
• Faster healing from many types of minor injury
• Faster recovery from sports
• Reduction in fatigue
• Improved sleep and reduction in symptoms of insomnia (especially if taken in the evening)
• Detoxification (through increased lymphatic activity)
• Reduced stress levels
• Healthier skin and hair
• Increased willpower
•  

My experiences and tips

The first few moments when the cold water hit you are not easy. You gasp for breath, it is unpleasant and can even feel painful. After a while you become accustomed to it and you are able to relax and feel ok in the cold water. When you have done it a few times your body is able to acclimatize faster so it is less unpleasant, but that first few seconds is never easy.

When I first started I would get into a warm shower and wash myself, then gradually turn the temperature down in several stages until it got completely cold. After a while, however, I’ve come to the conclusion that this was only prolonging the suffering. Each time you turn the temperature down it feels unpleasant and takes a while before you get used to it and feel ok. I think it is much better to either get straight into a cold shower or go straight from hot to completely cold: that way you only have to experience that unpleasant shift in temperature one time.

Another thing I have noticed is that it really makes a difference how cold it is outside. On very cold days the water in the pipes is colder and therefore your cold shower is even colder than usually. This can make it really very hard, but if you notice the weather and prepare yourself mentally that can make it easier than if you don’t think about it until you feel the shock of the colder than usual water hitting your body.

Have I noticed any benefits?

One thing I can say for sure is that cold showers really do boost your mood, even if only for an hour or two afterwards. You come out feeling great and with loads of energy and a clear mind. I would continue taking cold showers regularly (though perhaps not every day) just for this feeling – its like drinking a few cups of coffee but without the stressed out jittery feeling that can go along with high intake of caffeine.

I go the the gym to lift weights 4 or 5 times per week, and I have definitely noticed that I recover signficantly more quickly. This counts for both muscle soreness following exercise and also for the occasional aches and pains I get as a result of being a 40 year old weight lifter. I should note, however, that the science states you should not take cold showers after your workout if you want to build muscle, as the reduction in inflammation can block the signals your body uses to build muscle size. Taking your cold shower in the morning before exercise, however, shouldn’t have a significant impact on muscle growth.

I had hoped to boost my immune system as I get regular ear infections partially due to a weak immune system. I have had one infection since starting my daily cold showers, but it was very mild and cleared up quickly. So I guess for me the jury is still out on whether my immune system health has been improved or not.

The only other thing I can definitely say I have noticed is that I am more able to tolerate the cold, and even enjoy it. I often go out to the local shop in cold weather wearing just a t-shirt now, and whereas before I would have found that unpleasant I now find the cold invigorating (but only for short periods, lol).

Overall I would recommend giving cold showers a try.