Health Benefits Of Taking A Cold Shower
We are all no strangers to jumping into a warm shower, as we find it relaxing. We feel hot water cleans our skin better and let's face it as soon as we take our layers of clothing off we feel a chill in the air. But is that natural? or is that something we condition ourselves to do.
The reason we should ask ourselves this question, is because there is a lot of research out there that suggests a cold shower is the key to many health benefits. We recommend having 30 seconds of cold water exposure at the end of a normal shower is a good starting point which you can build up from if you want to. So, what are the benefits?
Reduced Stress Levels - Regularly taking cold showers imposes a small amount of stress on your body, which leads to a process called hardening. This means that your nervous system gradually gets used to handling moderate levels of stress. The hardening process helps you to keep a cool head, the next time you find yourself in a stressful situation.
Higher Level Of Alertness - Cold showers wake your body up, inducing a higher state of alertness. The cold also stimulates you to take deeper breaths, decreasing the level of CO2 throughout the body, helping you concentrate. Cold showers thus keep you ready and focused throughout the day.
More Robust Immune Response - Scientific studies have found that taking a cold shower increases the amount of white blood cells in your body. These blood cells protect your body against diseases. Researchers believe that this process is related to an increased metabolic rate which stimulates the immune response.
Increased Willpower - It takes a strong mind to endure the cold for extended periods of time. By incorporating cold showers into your daily routine, you are strengthening your willpower.
Promotes Weight-loss - Research has shown that cold showers (and exposure to cold in general), in addition to increasing metabolic rate directly, stimulate the generation of brown fat. Brown fat is a specific type of fat tissue that in turn generates energy by burning calories. Cold showers, then, are an effective tool for people who are looking to lose a few pounds.
Wim Hof The Iceman
Wim Hof is a dutch extreme athlete, who got his nickname 'The Iceman' by breaking a number of records related to cold exposure including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in shorts, running a half marathon above the Arctic Circle barefoot, and standing in a container while covered with ice cubes for more than 112 minutes.
Using 'cold, hard nature' as his teacher, his extensive training has enabled him to learn to control his breathing, heart rate, and blood circulation and to withstand extreme temperatures.
The Wim Hof Method is built on three powerful pillars: Breathing technique, Controlled exposure to cold and Commitment. Together, they form a life-changing method that provides you with the means to cope with numerous stresses and challenges. Many people from all over the world, including celebrities and professional sports athletes, are already benefiting from the Wim Hof Method.
Breathing Technique - The first pillar of the Wim Hof method. We’re always breathing, yet we’re mostly unaware of its tremendous potential. Heightened oxygen levels hold a treasure trove of benefits, and the specialised breathing technique of the Wim Hof Method unearths them all: more energy, reduced stress levels, and an augmented immune response that swiftly deals with pathogens.
Cold Therapy - Proper exposure to the cold starts a cascade of health benefits, including the buildup of brown adipose tissue and resultant fat loss, reduced inflammation that facilitates a fortified immune system, balanced hormone levels, improved sleep quality, and the production of endorphins, which are the feel good chemicals in the brain that naturally elevate your mood.
Commitment - The third pillar of the Wim Hof method is the foundation of the other two: both cold exposure and conscious breathing require patience and dedication to be fully mastered. Armed with focus and determination you are ready to explore and eventually master your own body and mind.
Please make sure to research before trying anything as we have to understand that all of our bodies react significantly different from one another. Ensure you are aware of the possible side effects before trying anything.
