The 14 benefits of showering with cold water

This habit can be very advantageous if we incorporate it into our routine.

For most people, the thought of taking a shower evokes pleasant sensations. This iconic and pleasant image will disappear immediately if we add the detail that the shower in question is with cold water.

However, a large number of people intentionally take a shower with cold water in the morning, which clears them up and prepares them for the day. This is because, as most people already know, contact with cold water has multiple advantages for our organism. In this article we are going to talk precisely about this fact: about the benefits of taking a cold showerand why this habit should be incorporated into our routines.

14 benefits of showering with cold water

Despite the fact that it is an aversive stimulation in principle for the vast majority of people, showering with cold water has a series of advantages and positive effects on our organism and our psyche. Some of these benefits can be observed directly after a sporadic contact with cold water, but other benefits will be less visible unless there is a habit or some regularity.

1. Clears and activates mind and body

The main effect we see directly when we shower with cold water is the fact that it it activates and clears. The thermal receptors and neurons located in the skin are activated to send a warning message to the rest of the system, generating a response from the body in the form of generalized activation to the cold. This is a natural reaction to the body's need to maintain homeostasis or internal temperature balance.

2. Improves circulation

Exposure to cold water has positive repercussions at the cardiovascular level: in the cold our heart rate increases and Blood vessels constrict. The blood travels at high speed and is charged with oxygen to the main organs and muscles, improving circulation to these areas. In this regard, it is In this regard, it is advisable to alternate between cold showers and hot showers (which would make the blood flow more easily to the surface of the skin).

However, people with heart disease and cardiovascular disorders should be very cautious, since the contraction of the blood vessels and the acceleration of the heart rate may be harmful in their case.

3. Increases attentional capacity

Nervous system activation is another benefit of taking a cold shower, which stimulates the secretion of certain neurotransmitters. stimulates the secretion of certain neurotransmitters. such as noradrenaline that makes us able to be attentive and vivid.

4. Improves your mood

Showering with cold water has relevant effects on mood. The thermal shock with cold water stimulates the production of noradrenaline in the brain, which will ultimately lead to a greater activation and a slight improvement in mood, relieving stress and anxiety.. Other studies indicate that it also generates a decrease in the level of cortisol.

5. Increases oxygenation

When our body comes into contact with very cold water, we tend to immediately begin to speed up our breathing. This is linked to the aforementioned cardiovascular alteration and acceleration. The body needs a greater amount of energy to cope with the cold, which implies accelerating the acquisition of oxygen. Thus, increase our body's oxygen levels, as well as the rate at which blood circulates through the body.as well as the rate at which blood circulates through the body.

6. Accelerates metabolism

As mentioned above, in the presence of cold, our body will begin to demand energy in order to maintain the internal temperature at adequate levels. To do this, it generates an acceleration of metabolism, consuming the resources stored in the body. The consequence of this is that with exposure to the cold we begin to burn sugars and fats to maintain body temperature at acceptable levels.

7. Activates the immune system

The generalized activation of the system and the acceleration of the metabolism generated by water favors the activation and improvement of the immune system, which is more prepared to fight against infections and external aggressions by releasing more leukocytes or white blood cells.

8. Improves libido and sperm quality and quantity.

Fertility is another aspect that is influenced by taking a cold shower. The cold stimulates the secretion of testosterone, which ultimately has an effect on libido and sperm quality and quantity.which ultimately has an effect on libido and sexual responsiveness.

9. Reduces inflammation and relieves pain

It is common that when we give us a blow and we have some kind of inflammation, we use the cold to lower it (for example with a bag of ice). This effect is due to the fact that the cells surrounding the injured area require less oxygen with the cold, reducing the swelling of the affected area. Cold showers have the same effect (although in this case the whole body is exposed to the cold). It also relieves muscle aches and pains or even headaches.

10. Improves sleep

Another benefit of taking a cold shower is sleep. Although the fact of taking a cold shower makes us clear our heads, as the day goes by, it makes it easier for our body to relax just as we have tensed up. It has been seen that it facilitates the conciliation of sleep and improves its quality..

11. Promotes better diuresis and renal and lymphatic function

The kidneys and lymphatic system also see improved functioning with the cold, allowing a better expulsion of toxic elements and waste from our body.

12. Increases productivity

The benefits of showering with cold water in the morning, taking into account the effects described above, include also an increase in the level of mental activity that the person will be able to perform and an increase in productivity. and an increase in productivity.

13. Benefits on skin and hair

People who shower excessively tend to lose the natural protection that coats and protects the skin in the form of oil, especially if they do so with hot water. In the long run, they can dry out skin and hair. Cold water, on the other hand, does not lead to this loss of skin oil and also skin toning by stretching the skin.. It also prevents hair loss and makes hair shinier.

14. Strengthens self-esteem and sense of self-control.

As we have said, most people find cold water a more or less aversive stimulus. That is why taking a shower with cold water can be experienced as a small challenge to overcome, which ultimately generates a greater sense of self-control.which ultimately generates a greater sense of self-control, self-efficacy and self-esteem.