That’s something most of us wouldn’t want to have to say to anyone, unless you’re sitting trapped in public transportation next to a person who hasn’t bathed in days or weeks, even months. Most Americans probably shower daily, some take baths I suppose, or combine the two. Showers are convenient you just turn on the water and wait a few seconds for it to get to some god-awful temperature then you jump right in right? Well it depends, like what if the water is cold? Will you die if you were to brave jumping in under that? You may feel like you’re going to surely die the first 5 seconds or so. The reason I ask all these questions is that I’m living proof that you won’t actually die. You see, for 3-1/2 years now I’ve taken nothing but cold showers and I’m still here to report on the virtues of just that, taking cold showers.

Some things to consider –
We are so spoiled today, we didn’t always have hot water running through pipes in homes. It’s good to keep in mind that hot water heaters weren’t available in American homes until the 1940’s. Prior to that, and really throughout history, water was heated over stoves and moved to wherever it was needed. For this reason bathtubs were probably in very close proximity to where people were cooking [given how much water weighs], which today seems rather odd. The other thing, and quite interesting, is that John the Baptist performed baptisms in a ritual directed by God [and Jesus] where a person is fully submerged in water, no doubt cold water back in biblical days. The whole idea behind this is that it represents one death [in and of sin] and a rebirth and commitment to follow our Savior, Jesus Christ. Would anyone believe the pools where John the Baptist performed his ritual that the water was anything but cold? I guess I’m getting baptised every day now! 🙂

In a search of this topic here are some items of interest –
“Getting into a cold shower is never a pleasant experience, but there are a few health benefits you may gain from braving the experience. Cold showers can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve circulation, lower stress levels, and reduce muscle soreness and fatigue. Aug 30, 2022”

“There are plenty [advantages to taking cold showers], according to Dr Google: improved energy, alertness, concentration, better circulation, weight loss, improved immune system, better moods, reduced inflammation, glowing skin and hair, and reduced muscle soreness after exercise, to name a few. Aug 26, 2021”

“What do cold showers do for men? Cold showers increase blood flow to your brain, delivering a bumper hit of oxygen and nutrients that improve your concentration, alertness and mental clarity. Nov 18, 2021”

Furthermore, I have read articles indicating that taking a cold vs. warm shower releases white blood cells in an effort to warm the body boosting the immune system. I noticed that I rarely come down with anything these days. I did get COVID once but it was one of these last strains and still I have never received a COVID vaccination. There is also evidence indicating that taking cold showers reduces symptoms of depression which is good to know…

What I like most about this regimen is that back when I took hot showers I would frantically reach for a towel to dry off as fast as possible because I began to freeze! It’s different now, these days I feel a warmth coming over my body once the water is turned off, the completely opposite effect from the ending of a hot shower. Plus, I never sweat in my clothes after showering anymore.

Lastly, if you feel an urge to try this, here’s my suggestion. Especially this time of year when it’s already colder outside, turn on the water and before getting in let it run on the underside of both your wrists a minute or two – you know, where those big veins are? Once that is tolerable then breathe deep, now you’re ready to jump right in under that showerhead. You’ll actually get to the point where you don’t want to ever get out – enjoy! 😉