5 reasons why you should take cold showers

5 reasons why you should take cold showers

Brrrrrr, a cold shower… That doesn't sound very appealing, but there are actually some positive reasons to overcome your inner couch potato.

1) Cold showers promote fat burning

Yes, you read that right – cold showers stimulate fat burning because the body has to expend energy to maintain its temperature (a process called thermogenesis). If that's not a reason to take a cold shower, I don't know what is.

2) Cold showers make you happy and alert

A cold shock instead of coffee. The rapid temperature change triggers the release of the hormones beta-endorphin and norepinephrine, which give you a feeling of liveliness and vitality. For an extra boost of freshness, blood circulation is also stimulated and the heart rate is increased.

3) Cold showers provide willpower and self-confidence

We all have a natural resistance to things that are unpleasant. However, if you do something every morning that your whole body resists, you'll step out of the shower with your chest puffed out. You'll master any further obstacles throughout the day with flying colors ;-)

4) Cold showers relax and strengthen the immune system

Cold water relieves muscle tension after intense workouts and stimulates blood circulation. That's why athletes often jump into an ice bath after training for better recovery.

Furthermore, cold showers are a mild strain on the body. When used regularly over a longer period, we try to adapt and become truly "hardened." General sensitivity to cold decreases, and it's speculated that prolonged cold showers can activate and strengthen the immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells. The cardiovascular system is also strengthened, as blood circulation is improved and the pulse rate increases. Quite a few health benefits! :-)

5) Cold water is good for beautiful skin and hair.

As wonderful as a hot shower feels, it unfortunately damages our skin and hair, causing them to dry out. The hot water disrupts the skin's natural protective acid mantle, which shields it from environmental influences, bacteria, dehydration, and harmful free radicals. Until the skin regenerates this mantle, bacteria have free rein, and moisture cannot be effectively retained in the tissue. This is not the case with a cold shower.

Hair also suffers from excessively hot water, as the hair fibers swell and become more susceptible to damage. It becomes rough, and combing after showering becomes a struggle. Cold showers are gentler on the hair and reduce hair loss.

It also prevents skin and hair from losing too many natural oils, which are important for looking healthy.

If, like me, you're a bit of a wimp and don't dare jump straight into the ice-cold water, you can start with warm water and switch to cold for the last few minutes. Or you could just start with your legs and arms. It will get easier gradually – especially when you think about the positive effects. ;-)

Tell me how you're doing! Fragrant greetings, Marie xx

^Sources:

^{http://ubermind.de/kalt-duschen/}

^{http://www.dayspamainz.de/darum-solltest-du-morgens-kalt-duschen-5-gruende/}

^{http://lifestylehustle.de/kalte-duschen-viel-mehr-als-nur-ein-workout-fuer-deine-willenskraft}