Recently, I felt like my brain was working at 10%.
I couldn’t remember anything I had to do unless I made a list, my creative impetus was drained, and in every conversation I’d choke on words because 2 seconds into talking I forgot why I opened my mouth.
What the H-
Not sure if it’s technology, or the media, or my diet and severe lack of steady exercise..but I needed to address this.
One day on my feed, a masterclass popped up with this guy Jim Kwik speaking. The headliner was:
“How to unlock you super-brain.”
Okay algorithms, I see you.
I clicked the link and watched this free 40 minute video. There was a lot of really useful information in there, definitely a big fan of Mindvalley Masterclasses. But one of his tips did not jive with me.
“Cold Showers.”
I’d rather not, thanks.
But I was really determined to get out of that haze I was in. so I tried it:
9 AM: Wake up
9:05 AM: Brush teeth
9:08 AM: Make bed
9:15 AM: Roll dice with death. (AKA: COLD SHOWER)
9:16 AM: Feel like I just entered the Matrix.
Jesus-H-Roosevelt-Christ! GAME CHANGER!
I was so energized and awake. Literal Bradly Cooper in Limitless vibe..
But that cold water was tough. I was going to need some knowledge to convince the logical side of my brain this was actually good for me.
And here’s what I found..
My 5 favorite benefits to taking a Cold Shower:
Benefit 1: Reduced pain
I’m a bartender and on my feet all day, so sometimes after a busy shift.. I can barely walk. My entire body hurts from all day standing and lifting. Well, according to the North American Journal of Medical Sciences, submerging yourself in cold water can have local-anesthetic like effects. Yes please ✓
Benefit 2: Can help alleviate depression or anxiety
According to researcher Nikolai Shevchuk at the Virginia Commonwealth University school of medicine, cold showers can actually alleviate depression symptoms pretty well. He ran an experiment on a group of people taking gradual 5 minute showers 1-2 times/ day over the course of a few weeks to months. He found that cold showers send an enormous amount of electrical impulses to the brain which in result, can have an anti-depressive effect.1
Benefit 3: Better immune system
According to the Harvard Business Review, a doctor by the name of Dr. Geert A. Buijze ran an experiment that showed on average, people who submerge themselves in water for even 30 seconds a day were 29% less likely to call in sick than those who didn’t. With the world were in now, ill take those odds 🙂
Benefit 4: Brighter skin
According to the Healthline blog, cold water will be less likely to dry out your skin. Stated by Dr. Jacqueline Schaffer: “cold water tightens and constricts blood flow which gives your skin a brighter glow.”
Benefit 5: Sharper Mind
If you’ve tried it, then you know.. stepping into a cold shower can feel like electroshock therapy (I imagine) and in some ways, thats kind of what it is. According to the Healthline blog, the low water temperature sends electrical impulses to the brain which increases energy levels and clarity, and releases endorphins, simulating the feeling of electroshock. Also, the cold water accelerates blood flow to parts of the brain which boosts up the release of a hormone called noradrenaline thats associated with alertness.
Gradual 5 minute showers:
Research shows you don’t have to be submerged in cold water for your entire shower to reap its rewards. The best way to grow your tolerance is by starting out your shower’s warm and after a few minutes gradually make it colder. To get the benefits, stay in the cold water anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
Important Note:: I am not an MD or psychiatrist. You should not use this as a replacement to any prescribed medications to treat depression, anxiety, or any other ailments. If you have a serious heart condition or compromised immune system you should consult with your doctor before proceeding.
I’ll admit, it’s still a bit hard for me to commit to diving straight in cold but I do try and make an effort to turn the water colder at the end even if it’s just for 30 seconds.
Hope this article helps you decide if cold showers are something you’d want to add to your daily routine.
As always, stay present. Sending vibrations of reinvention you way <3
xO
Ariana
Sources to cite:
1Adapted cold shower as a potential treatment for depression
