One of the things that contribute to staying healthy is taking cold showers. While this may not be a mainstream health tip, it is reported as being one of a kind. It makes one feel more alert, boosts energy, reportedly gives healthier skin and hair, improves one’s mental health and resilience, and helps improve blood circulation. These benefits abound for something as normal as taking a cold shower. Also, apart from these benefits, there are three major ones that it offers to the body and the mind.
First, it offers improved circulation and recovery. Cold showers stimulate blood circulation by constricting blood vessels and then dilating them. This leads to improved overall vascular health. The process helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body tissues more efficiently. This can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and promote faster recovery from muscle soreness or fatigue after exercise. In Nigeria, this would be a lifesaver for the many people who go out of their homes in the morning for work and return at night.
Cold showers help with increased alertness.
Nigerians are hardworking people. This is evident in how major cities in the country always have a large amount of traffic every day. The realities of an average Nigerian in a busy metropolis is coursing through traffic very early in the morning on the way to work. In the city of Lagos, for instance, the pollution from carbon emissions as well as the environment compounds the health issues of commuters. By the times these people are back from work, they feel groggy and blue.
So, one of the benefits of taking a cold shower, especially after returning home from work, is increased alertness and mood enhancement. Cold showers are known to have an invigorating effect on the body and can help increase your alertness and mental clarity because they act as natural energizers and mood enhancers. The shock of cold water triggers the body sympathetic nervous system, and leads to a temporary increase in heart rate as endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones, are released.
It also offers enhanced skin and hair health.
With this response from the body, it can promote wakefulness, improve focus, and boost mood by stimulating the production of endorphins, which are natural mood elevators. Unarguably, workers who go to work a significant number of days will benefit from the boost in mood as well as the relaxation that it causes the body. This is unsurprising as taking a cold bath is believed to have a positive impact on one’s mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Another benefit that it offers is enhanced skin and hair health. Using hot water to bathe can strip the skin and hair of their natural oils and bacteria. This leads to dryness and potential damage. On the other hand, cold showers help tighten the pores, reduce oil production, and seal the hair cuticles. This results in healthier-looking skin as well as shinier, less-frizzy hair. Cold showers can also help alleviate conditions like dry skin and dandruff.
Experiences may differ from person to person.
While cold showers can offer these advantages, it is important to note that individual experiences may vary. It is also always a good idea to listen to one’s body and adjust the water temperature and duration to one’s comfort level. Some people may find cold showers uncomfortable or not suitable for certain health conditions. It may also expose some people to certain conditions, such as pneumonia, or aggravate an existing condition. Health experts warn that people with comorbidities should refrain from taking a cold shower.
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