Most people start and end their day with a shower; we're sure that you'll agree that a good shower has the ability to boost your mood and get you relaxed. However, the showers we mostly go for are hot showers.
So, in a battle of hot showers vs cold showers, who will win, according to you? Of course, everyone is aware that, in general, showering has health benefits.
In the past few years, cold showers have gained a lot of traction, in particular, due to the Wim Hof Method. The benefits of cold showers now regularly make their rounds on the internet, particularly the ones related to improved mental health.
In fact, there's even a popular subreddit — r/coldshowers — dedicated to cold showers which often explores their relationship with anxiety relief.
Naturally, the questions arise: is a cold shower actually good for mental health? Do cold showers really help with anxiety? Do cold showers relax you?
Cold showers aren't exactly comfortable and many are naturally apprehensive about their supposed benefits. So, let's find out about the connection between cold showers and anxiety relief.
What Is Anxiety?
First of all, let's talk about what anxiety is.
Anxiety is your body's response to stress and is accompanied by feelings of fear, dread, and worry. It is a normal emotion that we all experience when we're faced with a challenging situation, such as an upcoming exam or job interview.
For some people, however, anxiety can be more severe and constant, impacting their personal, social, and professional life on a daily basis.
There are many different treatments for anxiety, from therapy to medication. Some people also swear by natural remedies, like cold showers. So, do cold showers help with anxiety?
Do Cold Showers Work For Anxiety?
There is some scientific evidence to suggest that cold showers can help reduce anxiety. Some studies have found that taking a cold shower reduced stress levels and improved alertness in participants.
Research has also shown that cold showers can lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Plus, a cold shower can be a fantastic grounding exercise which can calm your senses and help you recover from a panic attack (which often accompanies anxiety).
While a hot shower can soothe your sore muscles and help you feel refreshed, a cold shower can do the same thing while also providing some other benefits along with anxiety relief.
One of the main benefits of a cold shower is that it can help to stimulate your nervous system. This stimulation can help to increase alertness and energy levels, both of which can be helpful when you're feeling anxious or stressed.
In addition, cold water can also help to improve circulation and increase blood flow. This increased blood flow can deliver more oxygen to your cells and helps to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Research has also suggested that regular cold showers can boost the immune system.
So, if you're looking for a natural way to reduce stress and anxiety, consider adding a cold shower to your daily routine. Just make sure to start slowly and increase the amount of time you spend under the cold water gradually. You can even shift to a hot shower or tepid shower towards the end, after spending 3 minutes or so in cold water.
If you live in a tropical area, chances are that you're already familiar with and rely regularly on cold or cool showers!
However, it's important to note that everyone experiences anxiety differently, so what works for one person may not work for another.
If you're considering using cold showers to help with your anxiety, it's always best to speak to a doctor or mental health professional first. Remember, you should not use cold showers as a replacement for therapy or medication.
Enjoy Relaxing Showers — Cold or Hot — With StoneStream
If you're looking for a shower head that can help you relax and enjoy your showers (cold or hot!) even more, look no further than StoneStream.
Our shower heads are designed to deliver an unbeatable showering experience while saving precious water. The StoneStream EcoPower shower head increases water flow by 200%, reduces water consumption by 35%, contains mineral stones that filter and soften contaminated and hard water, is healthy for skin and hair, and is gentle on babies and pets.
StoneStream shower heads also come with three spa-like spray settings of rainfall, jetting, and massage, which will enable you to relax both your muscles and your mind! Additionally, our Matte Black shower heads come with Vitamin C filters, which will provide you with the soothing benefits of aromatherapy.
Be it cold showers or hot showers, you can enjoy them all with StoneStream's durable, luxurious, and affordable range of shower heads and shower accessories (such as shower hoses, non-slip shower mats, and replacement filters).
Happy showering!
