Cold showers have become popular on social media as a simple trick for gaining more energy and improving mood.
A writer from Verywell Mind therefore decided to test the method for a week to see whether it actually made a difference in everyday life.
Why cold showers
Cold showers are typically described as water with a temperature below about 15 degrees Celsius.
If you gasp when the water hits your body, the temperature is probably low enough.
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The method has become popular among people trying to optimize their well-being.
Among other things, the Wim Hof Method, which combines cold exposure and breathing techniques, has contributed to the growing interest.
What research says
Several studies suggest that exposure to cold can positively affect mood.
A 2008 study published in Medical Hypotheses pointed to cold showers as a possible treatment for depression.
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According to psychiatrist Pamela Walters from Eulas Clinics, both research and patient experiences suggest that cold water can have measurable effects on mood, mental clarity, and general well-being.
First day
The experiment began with a normal warm shower that ended with 30 seconds of cold water.
The experience was intense. Breathing changed, and the body reacted strongly to the cold. Afterwards, however, the body felt more awake and alert.
Day two and three
On day two, expectations were not exactly positive, but the experiment continued with the same short period of cold water.
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After the shower, there was a noticeable feeling of mental clarity. Pamela Walters specifically recommends starting with short periods of cold water and gradually increasing the duration.
A forgotten routine
On day three, the cold water was forgotten during the shower. The mistake was only discovered after putting on night clothes.
This meant an extra trip back under the shower, which made the experience even more unpleasant. The lesson was to make it a fixed part of the routine.
A mental shift
Day four began with a low mood and a lack of motivation.
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However, when the cold water hit, the focus quickly shifted to the body’s reaction to the cold.
According to Harvard psychiatrist Ashwini Nadkarni, such experiences can function as a form of mental grounding.
Better focus
Although sleep did not change during the experiment, concentration felt better throughout the day.
According to experts, cold showers can activate the body’s stress response, which increases alertness and mental clarity.
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The last days
Around day six, the experience began to feel more positive. The cold water was no longer met with the same resistance.
A study has also shown that cold exposure combined with breathing techniques can reduce perceived stress.
A difficult ending
On the final day, the weather was significantly colder, which made it difficult to turn down the warm water.
Although the cold was not quite as intense, the shower was completed and the feeling of increased alertness returned.
Possible benefits
According to experts, cold showers can increase the release of endorphins, which can temporarily improve mood.
Cold exposure can also increase levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which plays a role in focus and attention.
Not a miracle cure
Researchers emphasize that larger studies are still needed before the effects on mental health can be firmly established.
People with heart problems or certain mental health conditions should also be cautious with cold exposure.
The experience after a week
The experiment showed that cold showers could provide more energy and sharper focus.
At the same time, it worked as a mental push on days with a low mood, although the effect was not necessarily long-lasting.
Will it continue?
Cold showers will probably not become a fixed winter routine for the writer.
However, the experience showed that they can be a useful tool for getting a mental boost or extra energy during the day.
Sources: Verywell Mind.