The first time I stepped into the freezing water, I did more than just flinch; I jumped back at the shock and nearly fell to the ground. It was so cold that my mind blanked for a moment. However, I knew that cold showers have many physical benefits, so I stepped in and embraced the icy-cold water. After taking the cold shower, I would continue taking cold showers every morning for months to come.
Cold showers are, according to Cleveland Clinic, very healthy. In fact, “Researchers have found that taking icy showers may heighten your immune system and make you more resistant to illness.” Boosting your immune system is just one of the many benefits of cold showers.
Taking cold showers in the morning will also help you wake up quicker than any cup of coffee or tea. If you are looking to find some method to jumpstart your day, turning the shower head to cold and jumping in will definitely serve to instantly wake you up. Furthermore, upon stepping out of the shower, you will feel fresh and re-energized. This is not only supported by research, but I myself tested this strategy.
Jim McCool, a journalist for The Floridian and an FSU student, said, “Whenever I take a cold shower, I feel ready for the day, a lot more alive and you can get lost in hot showers and wasting time is not good. I’d rather set the tone for the day.”
Another reason why everyone should at least try taking a cold shower is because it increases mental toughness. By forcing yourself to do something that you most likely don’t want to do, you will build mental strength that will carry over into everything else that you do such as exercise, work or study. Mental discipline is something that is lacking today and taking cold showers every morning will make you one of the few people who value it.
Cold showers even have nonphysical benefits as well. One of these is that cold showers can relieve symptoms of depression. In society today, we see more people than ever affected by depression. However, cold showers have been proven to at least relieve symptoms of depression. As one article by Healthline says, “Taking a cold shower for up to 5 minutes, 2 to 3 times per week, was shown to help relieve symptoms of depression in a clinical trial.”
Gabriel Gallagher, a student at FSU, said regarding the positive mental impact of cold showers, “They’re (cold showers) refreshing and it’s like being hit by a wave of mountain spring water. In a way, cold showers revitalize the mind whereas hot showers only allow me to steep in the emotions I'm currently feeling. So a cold shower would stimulate all my senses and help me to, in essence, get a clear head for a moment and allow me to think and realize that it's not as bad as the emotions that depression conveys.”
In conclusion, cold showers are both physically and mentally beneficial. They are a great way to start your day, they give you energy and, as discussed, they even relieve depression — to a certain extent of course. For these reasons, I believe that everyone should take cold showers. Additionally, don’t wait until you’re “ready” — because you will never feel ready. That is why it builds mental discipline. So, when you take your next shower, turn the water all the way cold — you will not regret it.