Cold showers have become popular on social media, but do they actually work?
A writer from Verywell Mind tested daily cold showers for one week and noticed several changes along the way.
She completed a week-long experiment
The writer decided to end her morning shower with cold water every day for seven days to see whether it would affect her mood, energy levels, and concentration.
Experts recommended a gentle start
Before beginning the experiment, she spoke with experts, who recommended ending a warm shower with about 30 seconds of cold water before gradually increasing the duration over time.
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The first day was a shock
The cold water felt extremely uncomfortable, but afterward she felt more awake, mentally sharp, and ready to tackle the day's tasks.
She adapted quickly
By the second day, she was much less apprehensive about the cold water and noticed greater mental clarity after her shower.
The routine proved important
One day, she forgot to finish with the cold rinse and had to step back into the shower.
The experience made her realize that it was much easier to stick with the habit when it became a regular part of her morning routine.
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It helped on a bad day
Midway through the week, she woke up in a bad mood but found that the 30 seconds of cold water shifted her attention away from negative thoughts and gave her a mental reset.
The research is still limited
According to the experts, there is some evidence that cold showers may help support mood regulation, but large, high-quality studies are still lacking.
She felt less stressed
Toward the end of the week, the writer noticed lower stress levels.
She also referred to research published in Current Psychology, which suggests that cold exposure combined with breathing exercises may reduce perceived stress.
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More energy and focus
After one week, she did not experience the same jittery feeling often associated with coffee. Instead, she felt more focused, alert, and ready to work.
A small daily victory
She described it as motivating to accomplish something challenging every morning, giving her a greater sense of confidence and mental resilience.
Possible benefits
According to Verywell Mind, experts say cold showers may increase alertness, focus, and mental clarity.
Cold exposure may also activate the body's stress response and increase levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine.
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Not everyone should try it
Experts stress that cold showers are not suitable for everyone.
People with cardiovascular conditions or certain mental health disorders should exercise caution, and researchers continue to call for more comprehensive studies in this area.
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