I get it. The last thing you want to do as soon as you wake up and before you prepare for the fabulous day ahead is shock your body with a cold shower. But, if there is one routine switch that will instantly improve how you feel, it is this. Like most great things, it’s certainly intimidating but it literally takes only a few seconds for your body to get used to the temperature and it’s smooth sailing from then forward. And, the benefits of cold showering last throughout the day.

The initial shock of the cold water hitting your skin gets your heart pumping and blood flowing which almost feels equivalent to doing a handstand for 30 seconds. I’ve been showering with cold water almost everyday for the last year and thanks to it, I’m more clear headed all day. And, on the handful of days this last year that I have showered with warm water the difference is clear — as I walk out of the shower, I’m not as alert and my skin doesn’t feel as refreshed.

For those not ready to take the plunge yet, I would suggest that your last rinse be with cold water. Switching between hot and cold water works too.

Give it a try and let me know how you feel after!