I Took an COLDDD SHOWER and Here are the Benefits I Noticed

In my hometown of Virginia, USA the cold water in the shower is actually COLD. Like uncomfortably cold. Like cold enough to change the speed of your breathing. I say this because in Saigon the 'cold' water can actually be a bit warm sometimes.

Last night I finally got the courage to take a cold shower in my hometown (so weird that as I am writing about it now, I feel that I am craving it for the benefits). I noticed some differences this time compared to last year and the year before that.

Two years ago, same shower, but different month (March) I found the courage to take my first cold shower ever. I stood under the shower head for a few minutes, feeling fear of the cold, and delaying the cold shower from beginning. My mind kept trying to think about how painful the cold shower would be. It felt more uncomfortable in my imagination than in reality when I actually turned the water on (I also experienced this with my first tattoo). So I finally turned the shower knob straight to hot, but I knew it would take some time for the water to change temperature. The initial water temperature would be uncomfortable COLD. I turned the handle knob quickly, and I could hear the water making its way through the plumbing. Until finally the water was released and it showered my body. It felt so cold that my breath sped up, I couldn't control it. I felt a bit out of breath and scared, I had never experienced that before. I didn't move my body, I just stood there and let this freezing water rain on me. After about 1 minute, which of course felt like forever, the water finally began to transition into warmer warmer and finally hot water. The challenge was over. That year I remember that after about 2 months, I actually began to enjoy the cold showers. However then I returned to Saigon, and the freezing cold showers ended.

One year ago, I visited my hometown for one month. In that month, I might have taken 2 or 3 cold showers. I remember thinking the water would be more uncomfortable, but actually it was okay. However, I didn't take cold showers very often the month and didn't think much about it.

This time, again I am back in my hometown for one month. I've been here for about 3 days now. Yesterday, I took my first cold shower of the month. As I entered the usual spot under the shower head, I could feel my mind try to convince me that: "Hey you have a bit of a cough, you shouldn't do this. It could be unhealthy." I coughed a bit, but I could recognize that it was just a mind game. I decided to go for it and turn the shower knob anyways. I could hear the water course once again through the plumbing, and finally descending onto my bare body. My breathing did speed up a bit, but at this moment I had an insight. My ability to calmly observe my breathing and watch it calm it down, is equal to my ability to calmly observe my emotions and watch them calm down too. It was still uncomfortably cold, but I was surprised at how quickly my breathing calmed down.

There's something special in these experiences. It makes sense why cold plunges are a thing, the overall benefits must be massive. Well it's about time to take another cold shower now. Part of me is dreading it, and another part of me is excited. If you happen to be feeling numb, a benefit of the cold shower is that you get to FEEL SOMETHING.

When I think about how this could greatly benefit my life in the long term, it gives me huge courage to go through this discomfort in the short term. You can do the same, and it doesn't necessarily have to be cold showers. It could be cardio, public speaking, performing music and much more. Just choose one and do it.

"Cold plunges help to increase your tolerance to stress. When you expose yourself to cold water, your body has to adapt to the stress of the cold. This can help you to better cope with other stressors in your life." - Gemini

Much love!