Until July 2024, I struggled with prolonged colds and coughs almost every other month, sometimes I had to take antibiotics. I was searching for health practices which could help me lead a healthier life. I went through online content, articles and videos on the same. The idea of cold showers throughout the year intrigued me.
Serendipity struck, I chanced upon an invitation to attend a Fireside Chat with the CEO of the organization. Early in August 2024 I attended the live chat with many other participants. During this interaction our CEO shared one of his experiences of engaging in ice baths during the harsh winter somewhere abroad. His journey towards enhancing resilience of the mind and body was highly inspiring. While I listened to him, I went through a palpable shift in my mindset. I started imagining that I have successfully completed the practice of cold showers throughout winters and so the seed of my first chilling challenge was sown.
Motivated, I embarked on the journey. Today is not just another day. I have practiced cold showers daily for the last 6 months, including the coldest days of December and January. And yes it has been an incredibly enlightening journey of building resilience, challenging my limits, and enjoying the wonderful benefits.
What did I do?
I started taking tap water shower baths in August, without resorting to any heating. The shift from warm water was not easy at first, but I went through and gradually increased my shower time. I even started to shower earlier in the morning and half an hour before going to sleep. Temperature fluctuations were no longer negatively affecting me. Even on the coldest days of this winter in Delhi-NCR, I enjoyed the seemingly daunting cold showers, which has now become a part of my daily life.
What does the scientific community have to say about cold showers?
- ‘Science Direct’ article published in 2024 says ‘Regular cold shower exposure modulates humoral and cell-mediated immunity in healthy individuals’. You may explore the same.
- UCLAhealth.org’s article on ‘6 cold shower benefits to consider’ mentions other potential benefits like decreased symptoms of depression.
- ‘North American Journal of Medicine and Science’ published an article titled ‘Scientific Evidence-Based Effects of Hydrotherapy on Various Systems of the Body’. You will be glad to know that cold water may boost your mood and decrease anxiety.
The list of potential benefits are plenty. While embarking on this path be sure that you do not have any serious health concerns that might flare up with a cold shower. Are you interested in experiencing cold showers? If yes, you may start your own journey after winter bids adieu and shower your way to health and wellbeing…
PS: Do you want to access the Fireside Chat which motivated and inspired me to action?
Here’s the Youtube link to the same…