The Multiplied Benefits Of A Cold Shower

Getting in the routine of taking cold showers doesn’t sound fun at all. I already hear you pleading “You can’t make me!”. While I do take cold showers and I usually recommend other people do also, it’s not for the reasons you might think of. 

I don’t know enough about the physiological benefits of a cold shower but I have heard that cold exposure is a great way to kickstart your metabolism. But what I’m more interested in exploring are the subtle psychological benefits that you can be intentional about recreating in other ways.

First, taking a cold shower is  an opportunity every day to remind yourself that you’re in control. In a society that is overstimulating and often causes us to be reactive, taking a moment to pause and choose who you want to be is a game-changer. Especially when it’s something uncomfortable, like cold, it reinforces that you are stronger than the circumstances around you. 

When I jump in the shower and flip it on cold, I repeat to myself through the discomfort “I am in control of the way that I feel” and I find that it translates to give me more presence in other uncomfortable moments that I didn’t choose but must respond to.

Second, it’s an opportunity to consistently tap into the power you have to create the life you desire. A great life is made up of great years, which have great months, great weeks, great days, great hours, great minutes, and great moments. When you make the choice that feels tough in the moment but serves you in the long term, you’re reminded of how you’re constantly making choices that affect the quality of your life. The more moments you can live in integrity with your most inspired, purposeful, intentional self, the more inspired, purposeful and intentional your life will be.

Now here’s the practical reality of it - When people think about incorporating a new habit they naturally go to the extreme side of the spectrum. In this case, that would be incorporating a 5 minute cold plunge routine. But the most sustainable way to actually make changes to your life is to start small. It could be 10, 20 seconds of cold. I’ve been doing it for a long time and one minute is enough for me. 

Don’t set yourself up for failure by making the bar too high from the beginning. If you want to start receiving some of the benefits I shared, it only takes a few moments of a cold shower to create a disproportionate impact for yourself. 

No matter how this lands, stay open-minded to new ideas. If a part of you is inspired by this, great! What will you do about it? If a part of you is dismissive of it, great, what can you learn about yourself from that reaction?