When taking a shower, do you prefer cold water or hot water? Many individuals who habitually opt for cold showers believe that this practice helps strengthen their immune system and reduces the likelihood of catching a cold. Recent studies have revealed that taking cold showers can lead to a remarkable 31% decrease in sick leave and is also more eco-friendly, resulting in energy savings.
This intriguing study, led by psychologist Lena Glaser from the University of Basel in Switzerland, involved the recruitment of 719 healthy participants aged between 18 and 65. These individuals had no prior experience with cold showers.
Participants were instructed to take cold showers as often as possible over a 12-week period, with the temperature defined as the lowest that the water supply system could provide.
Interestingly, the researchers observed that although many participants dropped out within the first two weeks, the dropout rate decreased significantly thereafter. This reduction suggests that the individuals gradually acclimatized to cold showers. As the study progressed, the remaining participants reported notable improvements in both mental and physical health.
According to Glaser, these subjective enhancements were also reflected in the participants’ sick leave statistics, with an average reduction of 31% in days taken off compared to the control group.
When asked about the immediate benefits of cold showers, participants mentioned feelings of renewed alertness and vigor. Many expressed a sense of pride in overcoming discomfort and challenging themselves. Glaser noted, “Experiences such as these can have a motivational effect.”
Beyond the improvements in mental and physical well-being, cold showers can also be a cost-effective choice. This is primarily because individuals tend to spend less time in cold showers compared to hot ones, leading to reduced water usage and savings on heating costs.
For instance, in an example involving a 45-liter shower, lowering the water temperature from a comfortable 40 degrees Celsius to a brisk 15 degrees Celsius can save about 1.3 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy. This not only decreases water and electricity bills but also reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
Throughout the 12-week study, each participant contributed to a reduction of 15 kilograms in carbon dioxide emissions, which is roughly equivalent to the emissions produced by driving a vehicle for 100 kilometers. Hence, cold showers offer both environmental and economic benefits.
Glaser explains from a psychological perspective that when individuals recognize that altering their behavior yields tangible benefits without perceived losses, they are more motivated to stick with it.
For those apprehensive about cold showers, Glaser offers uplifting news: even making minor adjustments to water temperature can produce positive effects. It is not necessary to take extremely cold showers; one can find a comfortable compromise.
She suggests that individuals interested in trying cold showers might adopt a gradual approach, exploring their limits before gradually pushing those boundaries. “The water temperature doesn’t have to be the same every day. We don’t always possess the same courage, and that’s perfectly fine,” she emphasized.
Researchers noted that within the range of comfort for that day, participants should try to lower the water temperature as much as possible. “Listening to your body and paying attention to your feelings is crucial, but sometimes it’s beneficial to challenge yourself a little bit,” they remarked.
The findings of this study were published in the Journal of Health Psychology.
In a related note, British television presenter Tonia Buxton, who appears almost as youthful as her daughter, has shared that her secret to looking younger includes taking cold showers.