For most people, the consensus is that cold sucks. We don't like being cold and most definitely do not choose to be cold. So why take a cold shower? Honestly, my interest started as an experiment from the 4-Hour Body however it's become a much more meaningful part of my daily routine.
Full disclosure
- I live in Sydney and it's currently summer, where the outside temperature is typically 20 degrees Celsius at morning/night and the water would be around the same temperature (of course it feels colder).
- Every time I think of a cold shower, it scares me.
Why I do it
I've been fascinated by how alive and energised I feel after I go through the process of taking a cold shower. Yet, every time that I'm standing there ready to take the plunge, a small part...okay a significant part...of me says 'just turn the hot on'. I've mastered the technique. It's simple but powerful.
For me, the cold shower gives me power. It's hard. Most people couldn't imagine doing it. That's why I know it's worth doing.
The process
- Turn cold water on higher than normal. You need as much water as you can here. For those who have environmental concerns (I do!), remember that hot water has more of an environmental impact (through energy -> carbon etc) than cold water. Don't worry, you won't feel the desire for a 10-minute shower.
- Stand away from the water stream and tell yourself why you're doing this. I'm doing it because it's hard, difficult, challenging, unconventional. The cold shower sets the tone of my day at the beginning and summarises it at the end.
- Jump straight into the stream and wet your head, face and back immediately. Once you are completely covered, the shock goes away and you get on with the job.
- Finish. Dry. Smile. Pat yourself on your back.
