I’ve Taken ONLY Cold Showers for 6 Years (here’s what I learned)

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Post updated (I still have not missed one day of taking cold showers in 6 years) today is 18 Jul 2024.

Cold showers may help to alleviate loads of health issues. In this article you’ll learn the health benefits, how to take em, when the best time is, and so many more interesting facts about cold showers. Let’s dive in.

As much as I hate it sometimes, I equally love it. In this post I go over why I do it and the benefits.

I live in Colorado, in the mountains, on a well, and I only take cold showers. There’s something euphoric about it and the benefits are well worth the perceived pain. I highly recommend taking cold showers, this post explains why.

There’s something about overcoming difficult things that helps us better appreciate circumstance and life. People who encounter actual struggle are better equipped to handle challenges. Well, if they accept the challenge… that’s just part of our agency, makes us who we are.

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The Cold Shower

I decided over 6 years ago that I was going to ONLY take cold showers – 100% of the time, for the rest of my life. Here are my self-imposed rules: if it’s a standard shower (you know the one you take every day) it has to be on the coldest setting the shower allows. That’s it. Not much wiggle room.

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Why did I start taking cold showers?

I got sick thinking about how easy I have it. Soft. Everything I want, there. Yeah, I work hard and all that but I’m not out actually struggling. It wasn’t that long ago that life was hard! If we’re not struggling, is that normal? A Struggle usually brings results.

Let’s put this in to perspective, even for those of you that *think* you have it hard.

Prior to 100(ish) years ago, you wouldn’t have had:

• A regular hot shower
• A fridge or freezer to store your perishables
• An automobile (ability to easily get places)
• Ability to easily communicate (via technology)
• Ability to get good medical care
• And sadly: rights for women & minorities
• The list goes on.

Prior to 200(ish) years ago you would have had:

• To always worry about your safety (rival tribes killing you)
• Simple illness was likely to kill you
• And so much more…

My guess is the people living 100+ years ago were tougher. They would make out a little better when the power turns off and the grocery store closes. 😉

Today, while the world rages on, I have it easy (and you do too (if you’re reading this)). We currently live in a time where we’re protected from the elements, enemies, and starvation. I wanted to add a self-imposed hardship to build appreciation for what I have… I came up with the cold shower. Simple, yet effective. Could you give up warm showers for the rest of your life? or… are you too soft… er smart?

In addition to what I’ve mentioned above, I knew there were health benefits to cold immersion. The first and most obvious – is the satisfaction of overcoming something difficult. There are a lot of health benefits attributed to a sense of accomplishment. If you’re suffering from sadness it’s possible that if you make an alteration to your life, and find accomplishment, you might overcome sadness. It’s worth a shot! Pro tip: service to others is at the top of the list.

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What happens to the body when you take a cold shower?

Taking a cold shower can have a number of effects on the body. Some of these effects include:

• Stimulating the immune system: Cold water can help to increase the number of white blood cells in the body, which can help to fight off infection and illness.
• Improving circulation: Cold water can constrict blood vessels, which can help to improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the organs and extremities.
• Reducing muscle soreness: Cold water can help to reduce inflammation and soreness in muscles, which can be helpful for recovery after exercise or injury.
• Boosting mood and energy levels: Cold water can help to increase the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that can produce feelings of happiness and euphoria.
• Improving skin and hair: Cold water can help to improve the appearance of skin and hair by closing the pores and making hair appear shinier.

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Scientific Benefits of Cold Showers

Let’s start off by saying that cold immersion (being immersed in cold water) is better than a cold shower. For this post, I’m just referring to the shower (not immersion).

Before I go into the list of SCIENTIFIC BENEFITS, here’s an overview:

What are the benefits of cold showers?

Cold showers have several potential benefits, including improving circulation, boosting the immune system, reducing muscle soreness, and helping with weight loss. They can also help to improve skin and hair health, as well as increase alertness and wakefulness. Additionally, some people find that cold showers can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and may even improve mood.

Let’s review:

Increased Circulation

When cold water hits your skin, the blood quickly rushes (and for good reason) to surround your vital organs. It’s a protective measure. Your heart is forced to pump more efficiently. The heart is pushing blood through all of your vessels at a more rapid rate. This causes blood circulation to get “a workout” in. The cold water is triggering the circulatory system to get active which in turn promotes a reduction in inflammation.

Stronger Immune System

There’s good data that cold water immersion can be beneficial in the production of white blood cells in your body. White blood cells (immunity cells) help to protect against sickness. This in some degree is true for cold showers too (just not as effective as full immersion). Researchers believe that this process is related to an increased metabolic rate.

Improved Ability to Handle Stress

Cold water induces a mild stressor that in turn helps your nervous system (and mind) gradually get used to handling moderate levels of stress.

I really like this concept:

Actual life threatening situations are rare in our day and age. However, we tend to over-react to moderate and low stress situations like traffic & road rage, social media debates, a work deadline, people who offend you. We’ve really set up our primitive stress system to be trained and refined poorly (life is too easy) – (for most of us). Real ancient stress easily lead to death. Today, not so much…

We don’t even consciously try but our brain really gets to work in pinpointing the perceived threat which in turn leads us in to a negative spiraling of thought (leading to further stress). For example: you’re caught in traffic and getting angry, your mind goes to “I’m late” AND the result of being late will be bad (whatever your perceived stress is). It’s a stress cycle that may lead to depression and anxiety.

Cold water emersion (and cold showers to an extent) force the body (and your mind) to endure a stress. This is a powerful psychological adaptation that forces a change. You can positively impact your state of mind by introducing the right stress. Cold therapy is one effective option.

Reduction in Pain

Nothing like an anesthetic to ease the pain… cold water has anesthetic-like effect for pain relief.  North American Journal of Medical Sciences

Blood vessels constrict when exposed to cold water, this helps reduce swelling/edema that typically causes pain. Not only that but cold water slows nerve signals conducting regular impulses. When exposed to cold water you’re reducing the rate at which nerves transmit pain to the brain.

Next time you’re having an issue with pain, try the cold shower. If nothing else, it’ll really take your mind off the pain for a few minutes.

Improved Will Power

If you can set a goal, especially one that’s difficult – and then achieve that goal, you’ll increase your ability to control your appetites (that’s will power)!

It’s takes a strong mind to endure cold (it’s uncomfortable). Improve your will power in all aspects of life by challenging yourself.

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What 1,400+ Days of Cold Showers Taught Me

• Difficult things get “easier” with repetition
• Taking cold showers in the winter is never “easy”
• It takes a lot of will power to take a cold shower when you don’t want to
• The coldest setting on our 500ft well is consistently cold – aprox. 55 degrees
• My general mood and demeanor has been positively enhanced
• I’m in more control of perceived stresses than previously thought
• I believe my immune system has been enhanced
• If nothing else, the placebo effect of cold showers has bolstered my attitude and outlook on life
• I save loads of water by taking cold showers

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How to Get Started (taking cold showers)

Try a cold/warm protocol to start. Stand in the shower and turn it on to the warm setting you’re used to but get in and endure the cold for the time it might take to get warm. THEN when you’re done washing up, turn the knob to cold and endure for as long as you can (maybe count to 30) then finish off warm.

Once you’ve mastered that, start cold, go warm to wash, end cold.

Once you’ve mastered that, start cold, end cold (maybe on a setting that’s not ALL THE WAY cold).

Then: take the plunge and get that water as cold as it’ll get and do your thang, son! Don’t look back, don’t make excuses. When it’s over, it’s over… and you’re better for it.

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Favorite Aspects of the Cold Shower

I’ve grown to love the way I feel after the cold shower. In the winter, when I get out of the shower, it’s warm. There’s this euphoric sense of well-being after a cold shower, it’s an “everything’s going to be okay” feeling. I love the sense of accomplishment felt over time, overcoming something that’s tough really helps other aspects of life. It’s hard to explain but if you know… you know.

Are cold showers good for you?

While there is no definitive answer to this question, as everyone’s body is different, many people do find that cold showers have a number of benefits. As mentioned earlier, cold showers can improve circulation, boost the immune system, reduce muscle soreness, and help with weight loss. They can also help to improve skin and hair health, increase alertness and wakefulness, and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Of course, it’s important to listen to your body and adjust the temperature of your shower accordingly, as extreme cold can be uncomfortable or even dangerous for some people. If you’re unsure whether cold showers are right for you, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider.

Is it okay to take a cold shower after a workout?

It is generally safe to take a cold shower after a workout, and some people find that it can help to reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery time. However, as with any type of shower, it’s important to listen to your body and adjust the temperature accordingly. If you’re feeling very tired or weak after a workout, a cold shower may not be the best idea, as it could potentially cause you to feel more tired or even dizzy. In general, it’s best to start with a lukewarm shower and gradually decrease the temperature to see how your body responds. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, simply adjust the temperature to make it more comfortable for you.

How cold can a shower get?

The temperature of a shower can vary depending on the type of showerhead and water heater you have, as well as the water pressure and flow rate. Most showerheads are designed to produce water at a temperature between 80 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit, although some high-end models may be capable of producing water at lower temperatures. The coldest a shower can get will depend on the temperature of the water coming out of the tap, which can vary depending on where you live and the time of year. In general, the coldest a shower is likely to get is around 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, although this can vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier. If you’re trying to take a very cold shower, it’s important to start slowly and gradually decrease the temperature to see how your body responds.

Should you take cold showers in the winter?

Taking a cold shower in the winter can be a bit of a shock to the system, as the cold water can cause your body temperature to drop quickly. This can be uncomfortable, and in some cases, it can even be dangerous, especially for people who are elderly or have certain medical conditions. If you do decide to take a cold shower in the winter, it’s important to start slowly and gradually decrease the temperature to see how your body responds. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, simply adjust the temperature to make it more comfortable for you. It’s also a good idea to have a towel and warm clothes ready to help you warm up after your shower.

Should you take a cold shower after a workout?

Taking a cold shower after a workout can have a number of benefits, including:

• Reducing muscle soreness: Cold water can help to reduce inflammation and soreness in muscles, which can be helpful for recovery after exercise. This can be especially beneficial if you experience delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
• Improving circulation: Cold water can constrict blood vessels, which can help to improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the organs and extremities. This can help to bring fresh oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and other tissues in the body, promoting recovery and growth.
• Decreasing muscle inflammation: Cold water exposure can help to reduce the inflammation in muscles caused by intense workout, by reducing the activity of the inflammatory cells.
• Reducing the risk of injury: Cold water can help to reduce the risk of injury by tightening the skin and making it less susceptible to lacerations, scrapes and blisters.

Are there benefits of taking a cold shower before bed?

Taking a cold shower before bed may have a number of benefits, including:

• Improving sleep: Cold showers can help to lower the body’s core temperature, which can make it easier for you to fall asleep. Lowering the temperature of the skin can also have a calming effect on the body and mind, making it easier to relax and get a good night’s sleep.
• Improving circulation: Cold water can constrict blood vessels, which can help to improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the organs and extremities. This can help to bring fresh oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and other tissues in the body, promoting recovery and growth.
• Boosting mood and energy levels: Cold water can help to increase the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that can produce feelings of happiness and euphoria. This can help to improve overall mood and energy levels.
• Enhancing immunity: Cold water can stimulate the immune system, increasing the number of white blood cells in the body, which can help to fight off infection and illness.

Is taking a cold shower in the morning or at night a better idea?

Taking a cold shower in the morning or at night both have different benefits depending on personal preference.

• Morning: Taking a cold shower in the morning can be invigorating and help to wake you up. It can increase blood flow, boost mood, and energy levels. It can be a great way to start your day and help you feel refreshed and alert.
• Night: Taking a cold shower before bed can help to lower the body’s core temperature, which can make it easier for you to fall asleep. It also can improve circulation, boost mood, and energy levels. It can be a great way to relax and unwind before going to bed, and can help to prepare the body for restful sleep.

Ultimately, the best time to take a cold shower depends on your personal preferences and what works best for you. You might find that a cold shower in the morning is energizing, while a cold shower at night might help you fall asleep more easily.

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