Why take cold showers in the first place?
Well there are a tonne of benefits. I wrote a whole blog in depth about it called ‘Why I Take Cold Showers’ which you can search up. This here, is about how to start if you’re not the type to just go in, all or nothing into something new.
Start in hot weather.
Obviously in Winter the sting of the cold water is a lot sharper so I would suggest starting in Spring/Summer time when its more of a refreshing feeling. If you start having daily cold showers during this period, as the seasons get colder, you’ll already be used to the routine of it and it’ll be easier to continue.
End with cold.
If you really struggle to even attempt the thought of not turning on the hot water with the cold, then take your normal shower how you would and when you’re done, turn off the hot completely and let the water change to just cold and rinse your body off with that. Don’t hold your breathe and quickly count in your head, shivering and longing to get out. You’ve already had your nice and warm shower, so continue with the same sense of relaxation and calmness. Breathe slowly and try to enjoy the cold.
Lie to yourself.
I’m telling you, this can get you a long way sometimes. Internally tell yourself it’s not that cold, you’ve been in worse situations before; and let’s face it, you probably have been in colder and more unbearable situations before. Tell yourself you’re enjoying the cold and it’ll be over soon anyway.
Its really not that bad.
I used to hate the cold. I still don’t favour it at all. I would live all year round in the Summer time if I could. I’m actually more extreme with my heat than the cold. I sit comfortably at high 30’s and this is my preference. The sticky, gross humid heat that’s uncomfortable and make you want to rip all your clothes off – that’s my jam. But since doing cold showers and the occasional ice bath, i’ve become so much more resilient to the cold. I don’t get as sick during winter time and rainy days when i’ve forgotten to bring a jacket. I actually rarely get sick now. Of course it’s not just from the cold, I do take care of myself and my immunity but I can’t see how exposing myself to cold regularly can’t help equip me for colder seasons.
Like I said though, its really not that bad. Its over before you know it and soon it will just become routine and you’ll become so resilient to it, it’ll make you tougher. The first dip into the ocean at the beach, getting into an ice bath, the night’s you forget to bring a jacket even though your mum or partner told you to – it all gets easier.
Now if you want the benefits then stop being a pussy and just do it.
Otherwise, don’t.