The Brilliant Benefits of Cold Showers

Cold Water Therapy. Something I’ve been wanting to write about for some time, but been waiting for an opportunity where the outside temperatures might make it slightly more appealing!

In recent years, and possibly due to the pandemic giving us more time to explore the great outdoors, there’s been a big rise in the popularity of wild swimming. And more and more people are turning to ice-baths and cold showers for health benefits, thanks in part to Wim Hof (well worth a Google search if you don’t know of him already!)

I started making cold showers a part of my morning routine about 18 months ago, when I began my Holistic Health Therapist training and it was recommended by my tutor.

Before I go on, let me say to anybody who is absolutely horrified at the idea of cold showers, it really is an exhilarating experience and something you quickly adapt to and actually look forward to. And whilst the idea of wild swimming is hugely appealing from the nature connection point of view, the more regular your exposure to cold water the better. So unless you’re blessed with a lake or a beach on your doorstep, the shower method is something that is very accessible and can be easily adapted into your morning routine.

Cold water therapy has been used as a tool for promoting good health and wellness for centuries. Hippocrates documented his positive experiences of cold water therapy in 370 BC, it’s benefits continue to be recognised far and wide and are vast.

* Improves circulation

* Promotes muscular healing

* Boosts immune system

* Reduces inflammation

* Improves mood

* Builds resilience to stress

* Improves focus and concentration

* Improves sleep quality

* Increases metabolism

I could go on! In essence, exposing your body to cold water stimulates your nervous system and responses in so many positive ways.

Mentally it’s so rewarding to get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. To learn to keep calm and focused in a stressful situation. I’ve found it the most fantastic and energising way to start the day. It makes you feel like you’re ready to take on anything and really does set you off on a positive path. Yes, even in winter!

So here are a few tips to get you started.

I would stress that if you have medical conditions or issues relating to your heart or blood pressure, or are pregnant, you need to consult with your GP before giving this a go.

1. Take it slowly! You don’t want to completely shock your system by diving straight in! Start by showering as normal and then just at the end of your shower time gradually reduce the temperature.

2. As you start to drop the temperature, start to focus on your breathing with slow, deep breaths, inhale and exhale through the nose if you can.

3. The temperature your aiming for is 15 degrees C or lower, but get it as low as you can manage to start with and then stay with it for 30 seconds. Keep going with the breathing. Controlling your breath is the key to controlling your nervous system.

4. If it’s too much to put your whole body under just begin with your feet, legs and arms and gradually over time build up to your torso and head.

5. Once you’ve mastered 30 seconds for a few days, gradually build up to 2-3 minutes (recommended no more than 5).

If you’re a fan of using mantras or positive affirmations this is a great time to call one in! (My personal favourite ‘I can do hard things’ came in really handy with this!)

I promise you you’ll feel the benefits and feel like an absolute superhero in no time at all!