Winters Coming [GOT that?!]
Cold Showers anybody? Well it’s getting to that time of the year where the layers are going on.
So I wondered how many brave [foolhardy?] of you finished off your post run shower with a minute of cold showering? 😊 It is good for you in the long run!! 😊
As you take a cold shower, your body struggles to stay warm by increasing its metabolic rate. This results in the body producing more white blood cells because it thinks it’s under attack. White blood cells are responsible for protecting your body and boosting your immune system, making you less susceptible to disease.
When taken regularly, cold showers can make our circulatory system more efficient. Some people also report that their skin looks better as a result of cold showers, probably because of better circulation.
If you have a temperature or fever, it’s simply too late to try strengthening the immune system with shower techniques. In such cases you should generally avoid showers all together. Your body temperature fluctuates when your immune system is weakened which puts an additional strain on the body’s defences.
If you have a temperature or fever, it’s simply too late to try strengthening the immune system with shower techniques. In such cases you should generally avoid showers all together. Your body temperature fluctuates when your immune system is weakened which puts an additional strain on the body’s defences.
Swim England say you can get up to 6 benefits from open water swimming. Which is like taking a shower but more energetic!! 😊
Better sleep
When you swim outdoors, the cold water stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which is responsible for repairing the body.
Stimulating the PNS promotes a feeling of relaxation, often with a sense of contentment, which should deliver a better night’s sleep.
Better circulation
When we become cold, blood rushes to our organs, making our hearts work a little bit harder.
Every time you swim outdoors, the cold water helps to boost your circulation by pumping blood through your capillaries, arteries and veins.
Increased happiness
You’ll know that immersing yourself in cold water. Whether in the sea, the Serpentine or simply in the shower, it can make your skin sting and take your breath away.
To reduce the stinging sensation, your brain releases endorphins (painkillers produced by your body), which results in a feeling of wellbeing once you’re back on dry land.
Combine this with a workout in the great outdoors (proven to reduce stress and promote mental wellbeing) and you have a powerful way to inject some happiness into your day!
Increased metabolism
Swimming in cold water makes your body work harder to keep warm, which increases the number of calories you burn.
The colder the water, the more energy your body will convert from fat to fire up your metabolism and keep your core temperature stable.
Boosted immune system
Immersing your body in cold water for an hour can shock the immune system and help produce more white blood cells and more antioxidants.
This can help to boost your immune system and reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.
Better skin
Cold water exfoliates the skin, flushing out impurities and making it smoother. This all adds up to you feeling better inside and out every time you swim outdoors.
So go on then get scanty Scandi this winter.