Many people would shudder at the thought of taking a cold shower first thing in the morning or even a Scottish shower (a hot shower capped off by a cold rinse). In fact, many would call for help immediately if they didn’t get their nice warm water flowing right away. But would you believe that there are some health benefits to a quick, frigid soak?
Increase Your Alertness in the Morning
Soaking for a couple of minutes under cold water in the morning has been said to work more effectively than a double shot of espresso. The shock alone could be enough to wake you up, but the way your body responds to help keep you warm also plays a part in increasing your alertness.
When exposed to cold temperatures, deeper breaths in cold water can help increase your oxygen intake. The low temperature will also get your heart rate going which gives the body a rush of much-needed energy in the morning hours. When in the cold shower, you probably won’t feel the warming sensation these responses are creating in your body, but you’ll definitely notice the extra spring in your step as you get your day started.
Improve Your Circulation
While it can be extremely uncomfortable to immerse your body in cold water, it can also be invigorating. This is because water that’s colder than our natural body temperature causes the body to work slightly harder to maintain its core temperature. When taken regularly, cold showers can make our circulatory system more efficient, especially for those with poor circulation, high blood pressure, and even diabetes.
You’ve probably seen athletes submerge themselves in ice baths in order to heal after a sport injury. The ice brings down inflammation to a bruised or torn muscle by bringing the overall temperature of the body down. This in turn speeds up the delivery of warmer, freshly oxygenated blood to that area, as well as speeds up recovery time. Some people may benefit from cold showers as a way to help their blood move through their body more quickly.
Beauty Benefits
Cold showers can be extremely beneficial for your hair and skin. Hot water has the tendency to dry out skin, so it’s best to use cold water to tighten your cuticles and pores. Cold water can also prevent your pores from getting clogged, as it “seals” the pores in the skin, as well as your scalp, preventing dirt from getting in. As for haircare, cold showers can make your hair appear shinier, stronger, and healthier by flattening hair follicles and also increasing the hair strands ability to grip the scalp.
Boost Your Immune System
One of the greatest benefits of cold showers is the fact that they increase your immune system. A study showed that taking regular cold showers increases the amount of disease fighting white blood cells, compared to that of those who take regular hot showers. If you’re feeling a little under the weather, this little kick to your natural disease-fighting system may help you fight those symptoms even faster.
Much like point number two, during the cold shower the body works to warm itself, resulting in an increase in the metabolic speed rate and activation of the immune system. This then leads to the release of more white blood cells, whose sole purpose is to protect the body against both infectious diseases and foreign invaders. This circulatory workout also benefits your health by clearing out your arteries and lowering your blood pressure.
When Cold Water Just Isn’t For You…
If you’re still not sold on taking a less than room temperature shower first thing in the morning, you’re not alone. Many people would much rather enjoy a hot, steaming shower which is why we at RD Plumbing Solutions are the stockists of Thermann Hot Water Systems. If you’re experiencing a leak with your hot water system, there are a few steps you can take to protect your home before you call us.
First, determine where the leak is coming from. Is the leak originating from pipework connected to your Hot Water System? Is the leak coming from the Temperature Pressure Relief Valve? If so you may not have a problem. The Valve is designed to drip occasionally, to release any build-up of pressure caused by high temperatures within the tank. However, if it is dripping regularly or flowing continuously, the valve may be faulty.
Next, turn off all supplies leading to the system including electricity, gas and water. It should go without saying that the combination of water and an electric element can be fatal, so for this reason, it is essential to turn off the electricity supply to your power board immediately. If your tank is leaking profusely, you may need to turn off the water main. However, we would recommend that you store some water in buckets and bottles before turning the water off.
We’re Here For You
If your system is still unable to produce hot water, call us anytime, any day. RD Plumbing Solutions will accept emergency calls 24/7 and has the resources to replace any leaking or perished hot water system the same day you call, ensuring you never run out of hot water. We understand the importance of a fast, affordable plumbing service and have licensed and experienced local master plumbers near you. Please contact us for a for a free, no-obligation quote on any domestic or commercial plumbing job — or to order your Thermann Electric Hot Water System!