I Took Cold Showers Every Day for Six Months and the Benefits Are Life-Changing

Is there anything more glorious than lying in a warm bathtub after work? Plus a few candles, bubbles and relaxing music…pure bliss. But cold showers? That’s a shocking contrast. That said, in the name of wellness, the benefits of cold water can apparently be pretty life-changing.

The likes of Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner are said to be fans of cold-water therapy, not to mention the growing influence of wellness guru and ice-bath afficionado Wim Hof. Even in my childhood, my dad always swore by taking cold showers to push the immune system and get going in the morning. And yes, I don’t remember ever seeing him sick. However, back then, not only because I prefer to shower in the evening, I continuously ignored his advice. Until now.

In a bid to boost my well-being, enhance my focus, and just generally feel better, I’ve been trying the cold-shower trick for the last six months to see if it really works. Here’s what I found out.

Cold showers: What are the benefits?

Before I subjected myself to the cold-water pain, I wanted to know if there’s any science behind it. Dr. Franz Laqua, GP and balneologist, tells me, “It is recognized in medicine that the immune system is strengthened by cold water treatment.” He adds,“The muscles regenerate faster and the connective tissue is strengthened. Circulation can also be stimulated by the application, the blood pressure lowered, or the pulse rate regulated.”

“Anyone who uses cold water consciously not only strengthens the immune system, but generally increases health and vitality,” adds fitness coach and health trainer Markus Führer. He offers ice-bathing workshops using the famous Wim Hof method.

Speaking of Wim Hof, the extreme athlete and record-breaker known as The Iceman has actually written several books on the subject. His latest work, with the promising title Never Sick Again: Healthy, Strong, and Efficient Through the Power of Cold, claims the benefits that cold water can have. In addition to an improved immune system, these include feelings of happiness and better mental health. According to Wim Hof himself, he takes a three-minute cold shower every morning.

How to start a cold-shower routine

Fortunately, you can’t go too wrong with cold showers. The prerequisite is, of course, that the physical health is given. “If you suffer with certain conditions, I wouldn’t advise cold-water therapy,” warns Dr. Laqua. “These include heart disease, certain allergies, tumors, lymphedema or lesions.” It’s always best to get clarification in advance.