I’ve been listening to all kinds of audios lately on everything from business to creativity to the human body. I can’t say that I am in the best shape of my life, but I am very aware and trying to be more conscious about how I treat my body. I don’t heal as fast or feel as good, have as much energy, etc. I haven’t crossed over the 40 mark yet, but some days, I feel like my body cracks and creeks, and I’m just not ready to throw in the towel.
I’ve started to add in new habits here and there. These are just simple things that can make a difference. For example, in the morning, I have a water bottle with water and lemon. Lemon is good for building immunity and helping to keep you hydrated. I make sure that every day, I have at least two servings of fruits and veggies. I usually grab fruits for breakfast and snacks. Then I have a veggie wrap for lunch and a serving with my protein at dinner. I already need to eat and drink, so these are easy things to incorporate.
Recently, I have seen more and more about Ice Baths or cold showers and what their benefits are to the human body. I don’t have a tub at the moment or an excessive amount of ice, but I have turned the knob to cold in the shower the last few days. I really just did it to cool off the one day, but now I am taking notes to see if creating a new habit will make a difference.
The science is out there, and I am only paraphrasing what i have heard or read. The benefits are not just physical, but they are also mental benefits. Here are some of what they say taking cold showers do for both body and mind. They say it is best to do in the morning to start your day.
Mental discipline – because you actively have to choose and decide to step into the cold water each time, it builds discipline. No one wants to get cold or stand under the cold spray to wake up. It isn’t easy.
Mental clarity and focus – while in the cold, you can focus on your breathing. Your breathing instantly quickens as part of the defense to the temperature, but you need to take deep breaths to adjust. Also, this can be like meditating while you try to focus on your normal shower activities or your day instead of the cold water.
Alertness and productivity – you are getting the cold jolt sending messages to your brain, waking you up. You are more ready to go and get things done, and as you are only in the cold shower for minutes, your pace will quicken. More alert thru your day, you will want to accomplish more.
Awakens your body – the cold will instantly get your body functions going from sleep. The cold water will help with inflammation and sluggishness, helping you feel refreshed.
Can help with losing bad fats.- I don’t pretend to be a health specialist but they said that there is two type of fat one good one bad and the fall in temperature helps the body process the fat. If a cold shower can freeze and get rid of my few extra lbs, I’m down! Lol
Hair and skin benefits – cold temps help to keep the body’s natural moisture and oils. Hot showers wash away oils that are good for you. Cold will allow your pores to absorb them and retain them, creating healthy skin and silky hair.
I’m sure there are more and I’m sure there are better ways to explain them but for now I will leave you with that. I have added a Spotify link to one of the many podcasts I have listened to about them. I am going to make notes over the next month to see how I feel. Today, I for sure was more ready to face the day. It kicked my butt, but at least this morning, I faced it head-on. I dare you to try it too!
The Distracted Damsel 