Some Like It Hot, Some Like It Cold
Showering is a detailed and vital aspect of our daily routine that we tend to overlook. Despite various debates regarding variances in temperatures, in reality, both hot and cold showers offer different health benefits. Whether you prefer it hot or cold, it is important to be aware of how your showering routine can directly affect your health. Perhaps after reading, you might rethink which way you turn the showering knob.
Hot Showers
- Cleanliness
Warmer temperatures tend to kill all the nasty germs you expose yourself to throughout the day.
- Relieves aches
Hot water can significantly relieve tension and soothe stiff muscles in your shoulders, neck, and back.
- Reduces Stress
Studies have shown that taking a hot shower can increase your oxytocin levels (aka Love hormones), which can greatly reduce levels of anxiety and/or stress.
- Relieves colds
Hot water is a natural decongestant (relieves cold symptoms)! This makes sense, since hot steam moisturizes your nasal passages.
- Combats Insomnia
A hot shower is a natural sedative. If you have troubles sleeping at night due to stress or insomnia, hot water is the solution for you. 10 minutes is enough to calm your body, mind and nerves.
Cold Showers
- Increases Alertness
Cold water can help to relieve your body of fatigue and increase your mental alertness. If you are having doubts about whether you can make it to school on Mondays, why not give cold showers a try? You never know!
- Relieves Depression
Showering under cold water stimulates the release of noradrenaline and beta-endorphins (depression-combatant chemicals). This makes you feel fresh!
- Improves Reproductive Health
LISTEN UP BOYS: Cold water is beneficial for your reproductive health. Did you know that cold water stimulates the release of testosterone? Well, now you do.
- Refines Hair and Skin
LISTEN UP GIRLS: Cold showers are great for skin and hair. Cold water hydrates your skin, and prevents split ends.
- Boosts Circulation and Immunity
Research has shown that cold water stimulates the lymphatic and immune system. This means that the production of infection-fighting cells in your body increases, strengthening your immunity!
Showering Healthily
If hot and cold showers have their separate benefits, then you might ask, which temperature should I shower under? It doesn’t matter! This is exactly like asking which sock you should put on first, left or right. What is important is the time and effort you put into your showers. Experts say that a hurried bath is like hurried food – your body doesn’t reap all the benefits of a good cleansing if you rush! Take time to expose each body part to water progressively, and experience a complete bath everyday (Don’t mistake this for wasting water unnecessarily). Trust me, this is not just for your own sake but for others as well.
For More Information
I have only listed down the top 5 advantages for taking cold and hot showers. If you would like to learn more about this topic, or would like to read up on the scientific reasons behind these health benefits, below are some sources for your personal discretion:
