Wellness Unleashed: Dive into the Benefits of Cold and Hot Showers for Mind and Body
It's extremely likely that you have heard in the area of wellness that there are benefits of changing up your water temperature while in the shower or bath. As the seasonal temperatures change you might be wondering, if taking a cold shower is as beneficial as it was during previous seasonal temps. And whatever happened to the classic warm shower or bath, are there any benefits in this cozy classic?
While cold water temps are the new cool kid getting all the health and wellness attention, there are actual benefits to either temperature. And so you don't have to be a walking human google database; here are the wellness bonuses of hot and cold showers and baths.
The Benefits Of A Classic Warm/Hot Shower:
Shown To Lower Risk In Cardiovascular Disease And Stroke Risk
Lower Blood Pressure
Lessen Inflammation
Induces Relaxation and Relative Mental and Physical State
Eases Muscle And Joint Issues
Lessens Duration Of Time When Sick
Opens Pores And Helps Flush Out Clogged Pores
Helps Alleviate Dry Or Congested Sinuses
Hot Showers And Baths Have Been Shown To Help People Of All Ages To Sleep More Soundly
Improved Brain Health
Relaxation Of Sore, Tense, And Knotted Muscles
The Benefits Of Taking A Cold Shower Or Bath:
Shown To Lower Risk In Cardiovascular Disease And Stroke Risk
Helps Shrink Pores And Helps Skin Retain Oil
Can Help With Depression -exposed to cold water, Can Help stimulate the production of noradrenaline and beta-endorphins
Supportive For Healthy Circulation As The Heart Reacts To Cold By Pumping More Blood To Warm The Body
Reduced Joint Pain And Swelling
Lower Cortisol Levels
With these lists, it is obvious how powerful just being in the water is in general for the body and mind. So if your aim is relaxation, opening, loosening up again mind or body warm water temps are likely to be the best avenue for you. Warm baths are also a great ritual to add to a routine, especially when you know you might be heading into a particularly busy or stressful period.
On the other hand, colder water temps are great if you want to feel more mentally or physically alert, or wanting to reduce inflammation from working out or an injury. In addition, a cold shower is an effective way to physically shift your mental state if you are dealing with anxiety or mental fog. So before heading into any temperature of water, it is an excellent opportunity to pause check in with how you are doing, and what you are needing. Possibly switching up your water temp can be just the support your body and mind need. Simple conscious choices in our daily habits can be just the shift we need to tune in to be supportive to ourselves instead of mindlessly going through established patterns that are so routine that they aren't genuinely elevating our daily needs. Mindfully Enjoying these regular daily rituals can be a great way to habit stack into finding joyful and healthy moments in you day.