Cold Shower is A Natural Way to Boost Your Mood
Probably many of you do not forget to splash cold water on your face when you wake up and benefit from its awakening effect. But have you ever thought of taking it a step further and taking a cold shower? Taking a cold shower can do more than just wake you up; it can actually boost your mood and energy levels throughout the day.
If you’re looking for a simple and natural way to boost your mood, then you can consider taking cold showers. Although it sounds scary at first, you will not be able to hold back when you learn how it can lift your mood.
Get ready to explore the neural mechanisms that underlie the mood-boosting effects of cold showers!
How Cold Showers can Boost Your Mood?
– 7 Underlying Neural Mechanisms Explained
1. Increased Beta-Endorphin Release
Beta-endorphin is a neurotransmitter that is produced in response to stress or pain. It is responsible for reducing pain and improving mood. When you take a cold shower, your body is exposed to a sudden cold shock, so it mimics a form of acute stress, and research has shown that exposure to cold temperatures can stimulate the release of beta-endorphins. This can lead to feelings of euphoria and improved mood.
2. Increased Norepinephrine
One of the primary mechanisms through which cold showers can boost mood is by increasing levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood, attention, and stress. Research has shown that exposure to cold temperatures stimulates the release of norepinephrine, leading to a greater sense of motivation and productivity, which can help to improve overall mood.
3. Increased Dopamine
Another way that cold showers can boost mood is by enhancing the production of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, motivation, and pleasure in the brain. Exposure to cold water causes a prolonged release of dopamine. Elevated levels of dopamine throughout the day lead to improved energy levels, mood, and focus.
4. Increased Glutathione Levels
Cold showers have been shown to increase levels of glutathione in the body. While it is not directly related to mood regulation, there are some ways that it can have a positive impact on mood. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in protecting the body from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been linked to a variety of mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. By reducing oxidative stress, glutathione may protect brain cells as well as overall brain function. Thus, increased glutathione levels may support a healthy mood.
5. Activation of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “fight or flight” response in the body. When you take a cold shower, the sudden shock of cold water activates this system, causing a surge of adrenaline and other stress hormones to be released. While this may sound counterproductive to improving your mood, studies have shown that short-term stress can actually be beneficial in boosting cognitive function and improving mood.
The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “rest and digest” response in the body. While cold showers initially activate the sympathetic nervous system, they also trigger the parasympathetic nervous system once the body adjusts to the cold water. This can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, leading to a more positive mood.
6. Increased Blood Circulation
Exposure to cold temperatures can lead to increased blood flow to the brain, and throughout the body. This contributes to the optimal functioning of the brain with increased brain oxygen levels. Improvement in cognitive functions, such as better memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities, is observed when energy production is supported. Thus, increased blood flow can positively affect mood by improving focus, attention, and mental clarity.
7. Improved Immune Function
The immune system plays a role in regulating inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation has been associated with a variety of mood disorders and has been suggested to be a reaction of the brain under the influence of inflammation. Taking cold showers has been shown to improve immune function by increasing the production of white blood cells. These cells are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases, which can lead to improved mood symptoms and overall mental health.
How to Start Taking Cold Showers?
A cold shower is a shower taken with water that is colder than room temperature. Typically, you should set the temperature below 70°F (21°C) for health benefits.
Cold showers are known to be invigorating and can help wake you up in the morning. However, in the beginning, you might it difficult to adapt to your life, especially if you’re used to warm or hot showers. Therefore, you can start by gradually cooling the temperature of the water. Each day you keep the temperature lower than the previous day, giving your body time to get used to it. Indeed, the water temperature should be low enough to make you uncomfortable and high enough not to cause a threat to your health.
Dr. Huberman provides a science-supported protocol on how to take cold showers to have the maximum benefits.
Conclusion
Cold showers can have significant mood-boosting effects. Through a variety of neural mechanisms, including increased norepinephrine, enhanced dopamine production, increased beta-endorphin release, increased glutathione levels, activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, increased blood flow to the brain, and improved immune function, cold showers can help to improve mood, reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, and improve overall well-being.
While cold showers may not be for everyone, for those who are willing to embrace the cold, the benefits can be significant. If you want to try this natural method to lift your mood, remember to do it in the morning rather than later in the day and make sure that it is not too cold to endanger your health.
It is worth remembering that a cold shower may not be the best option for everyone, especially if you are hypersensitive to cold. Thus, lowering the temperature gradually every day is the best way to see if it would be a convenient method for you.
Considering its benefits, it is worth giving it a try! So the next morning, don’t just splash cold water on your face and let the cold shower prepare you for a great day. Your body (and your mood) may thank you!
Featured Photo by Joyce McCown on Unsplash
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