Especially in winter it is tempting to take a little longer under the hot shower. Yet that is not very good for you, especially in winter.
Fun fact:in the winter the tap water in the Netherlands is between ten and twelve degrees. “Brrrrr, no thanks,” you may be thinking. But don't give up now, because taking a cold shower in winter has many benefits. For starters, cold water is healthier than warm water in the shower anyway. Just half a minute a day strengthens your immune system and makes you less susceptible to viruses. In addition, you give your mood a big boost, because the cold activates the sympathetic nervous system and causes an increase in beta-endorphins and noradrenaline in the blood. This makes you feel better. If you also manage to breathe calmly during the intensity of a cold shower, you become more and more resistant to stress. Last but not least:you start your day energetic.
But why take a cold shower in winter when it's already pretty chilly everywhere? Especially in winter, your immune system can use some help, just like your mood. The dark days make it harder for you to get out of bed and see little daylight. The kick of the cold is exactly what you need. In addition, a hot shower dries out your skin. The hotter you shower, the drier your skin. In winter, the air is often drier:the heating is on and the humidity outside drops. So challenge yourself and try to take shorter and cold showers every day.
