I would like to introduce a new routine I’ve incorporated into my “daily”. Cold showers….yes, it may not sound pleasant but the ideal way to take a cold shower is to ease in to the habit.
Start by slowly lowering the temperature at the end of a usual warm/hot shower. Get the water cold enough that you start to feel uncomfortable. Then, stay underneath the water for 30 seconds to start and ease into increasing it to 45 seconds, one minute, 2 minutes and eventually 3 minutes by the end of 2 weeks. Breathing deeply will help decrease your discomfort in your mind. After two weeks of doing this exercise, make the water slightly colder.
Benefits of having a cold shower or ending your warm shower with 2-3 minutes of cold chill time are incredible for our overall health, it is easy to do, it doesn’t cost anything and here is why I have been implementing cold therapy…
- Wakes you up, when that cold spray hits your body, there’s a bit of shock. This shock increases oxygen intake, heart rate, alertness.
- Increases endorphins, if you suffer from mild seasonal depression, cold showers can work as a kind of gentle “shock” therapy. The cold water sends many electrical impulses to your brain. They jolt your system to increase alertness, clarity, and energy levels. Endorphins, which are sometimes called happiness hormones, are also released. This effect lasts into your day!
- Increasing blood flow circulation which is always health savvy.
- Decreases inflammation in the body, athletes have been cold plunging for decades.
- Reduces muscle soreness post-workout.
- It can calm itchy skin.
- Potentially boosting weight loss as it increases your metabolism by going from hot to cold.
- Glowing hair and skin… cold water closes pores and seals the cuticle in your hair. Cold water, unlike hot water, doesn’t dry out the sebum layer, a naturally lubricated barrier that provides protection for your skin and hair so you may experience more luxuriant hair and glowing skin.
Can’t hurt to try! Let me know if you meet or beat 3 minutes (Hello@stellargirl.com) or DM me @stellargirlofficial
