One of the things I’ve never expected to be doing one day is having a cold shower every morning. Many people say I’m crazy haha. Every though Winter is around the corner I can’t skip this ritual for the sake of this world. This doesn’t not only wakes me up but learned many benefit from it. This is one of my morning rituals that excites me the most. Aside of my other ritual which is my daily meditation that energizes me. Cold exposure early in the morning is uncomfortable isn’t it? It’s the first act of the day to challenge myself to face adversity and discomfort. Telling myself anything won’t happen in my comfort zone.
Ready to crack on!
Why did I start being crazy?
There are so many benefits from cold showers or ice bath. I will detail the benefits later in this post however this is something that increases my good mood. That’s what I cultivate in my morning rituals as well. I feel so good and peaceful on the other side. Giving me mood mood for my interactions I will have during the day and important for my relationships.
I do interest in people’s lives to understand them. Not only getting to know with them but also see how I can help if necessary. Being a leader and serving hundred of people taught me a lot about human behaviour. I can feel people’s energies whether negative or positive and learned how to have the right approach with them. I do smile at everyone as described in my previous post because for me everyone deserve a smile. Telling myself I can make someone’s day by this simple act of compassion. As a positivity driven person I like making people laugh no matter the circumstances.
Benefits according to science
Here are the benefits as soon as you get to the other side.
- Blood circulation. Cold water exposure improves your blood circulation. Your body goes into survival mode as its works harder to maintain its core temperature. This is the main argument I’ve always heard about cold showers. I joked a lot about it when hot water was running out.
- Reduces inflammation. If your body is on fire cold showers can help reducing muscle soreness. Since the blood in your body flows faster. So more blood delivered to sore areas of your body.
- Increases endorphins. Endorphins release are often called the happiness hormones. Cold water is good for mental health in general. It can reduce stress, anxiety and fight depression. So it gives more confidence and self esteem. Fancy?
- Makes you more alert. Cold sensation sends an electrical impulse to your brain. Making you more active and energic. You gain clarity especially after being tempted to snooze your alarm!
In addition I found this interesting CNN article where you can have a look at. Mentioning testimonials, load of more benefits and also about history of this ritual dating back from ancient Greece!
Smashing it through a hard Winter
When the temperature plunges sub zero degrees of course this makes the ritual more challenging. However I’ve learned through the twists and turns in life when you face a challenge is when things become interesting. Challenges are opportunities in disguise in the first place for me and I treat them as such like positive experiences. Even when things seems hopeless there’s always light at the end of the tunnel! Cold showers rituals taught me these principles. Whenever I feel apprehension before jumping into the shower I remember nothing will happen if I don’t go beyond my comfort zone. To expand my horizon in life.
“We must go through a hard Winter training and not rush into things for which we haven’t prepared (Epictetus)
The quote above resonates with me a lot when Winter is around the corner. This quote encourages us to purposely put ourselves in uncomfortable situations. To take Winter time as an opportunity to focus on our goals or training. In order to come out of the darkness into light in good spirit when Springs shows up. To get ready to crack on during summer times after the progress we’ve made by applying this principle. Even if your goal is to get a body Summer this is for you!
Conclusion
Since 2023 I understood the concept of going through a hard Winter. When I fell severely ill by the end of the Winter of this year in particular. I didn’t know the notion of discomfort to grow as a man. I understood that when I woke up one day and looked at myself in the mirror. Made me aware of how fitter and healthier I am. Because of the motivation of embracing discomfort driven by a simple action of taking a cold shower. When I say cold it’s cold, not lukewarm. Got it? Have a go!
Life changing!
