If you struggle to wake up in the morning, keep on reading.
Instead of hitting snooze, hop in the shower. But this isn’t your normal morning shower. When we take hot showers (as most of us do), our body temperature rises. An increase in body temperature actually creates a bedtime effect, relaxing the body and preparing it for sleep. Luckily, there’s a 90-second trick that you can do to reverse this effect. At the end of your shower, simply blast yourself with cold water for 30 seconds, followed by hot water for 30 seconds, and then finish with cold water for a final 30 seconds.
The rapid change in temperature will open up the capillaries, increase blood flow, and stimulate the body and mind. Experts believe this hack can boost your energy and keep you alert all day long. Our Founder & CEO, Matteo Franceschetti, does it every day and swears by it.
“I started doing it a few months ago, and it’s now part of my morning routine. The switch from hot to cold helps me feel more energized the minute I step out of the shower. It’s so easy to do and you’ll feel the effects immediately. Since I exercise in the morning, this cold water hack also helps my muscles recover. It’s a win-win for me. If you combine this with the 8 minute work out before showering, benefits will be even more substantial.”
Matteo also does a quick work out in the morning to boost his energy. Combining his workout with the shower hack is the ultimate energizing routine. He continued,
“If you have a chance, I notice that having a sauna in the morning after working out and then taking the cold shower will help you even more. The key thing is expose the body to temperature shocks.”
This shower technique is just a DIY-version of hot and cold hydrotherapy, which has been used for thousands of years for its natural healing and stress-relieving powers. Alternating between hot and cold temperatures increases blood circulation and detoxes the body. There are several benefits to taking cold showers, and we have scientific research to prove it.
Reduces stress
A study found that those who regularly swim in cold water were able to adapt and tolerate stress. The shock of the cold water hardens the body overtime and helps it respond healthily to stressful situations.
Strengthens immune system
Another study found that taking daily cold showers increases the number of disease-fighting white blood cells. In order to warm up, the body speeds up its metabolic rate, thus activating the immune system. A 2016 study also found that hot-to-cold showering reduced the amount of times people stayed home sick. Say hello to health!
Improves blood circulation
When exposed to cold water, your arteries and veins constrict. This temporary tightening allows blood to flow at a higher pressure, which is great for cardiovascular health. The increased blood circulation decreases inflammation and swelling, which is why professional athletes use ice baths to help their muscles recover after a workout.
Burns fat
Scientists have found that shivering from cold showers triggers the production of brown fat, which works to keep you warm by burning calories.
Battles depression
Cold showers could be a potential treatment for depression. One study found that exposure to cold activates the sympathetic nervous system and increases endorphins, which cold produce an anti-depressive effect.
Summary
Although cold showers aren’t the most enjoyable, they reap so many positive benefits. And we’re not asking you to take an entirely cold shower. All you need is a few seconds of cold at the end. Remember, it’s 30 seconds of cold – 30 seconds of hot – 30 seconds of cold. Try it out for a week, and see how energized you feel during the day.
> Want more ways to feel energized throughout the day? Use light.
The best and easiest way to improve your sleep? The temperature adjusting Eight Sleep Pod 3.
