Many people start their day with a shower, and not just any shower, but a cold one. If you’re wondering whether this practice is beneficial for your health, you might want to consider the findings from a study conducted by researchers in the Netherlands.
The study provided compelling evidence that fans of cold showers are less likely to take sick leave compared to those who prefer warm showers. The experiment involved more than 3,000 participants, who were divided into four groups.
Each group was instructed to take a warm shower daily. However, members of the first group were required to finish their showers with 30 seconds of cold water, the second group with 60 seconds, and the third with 90 seconds. The control group was allowed to enjoy their warm showers without any cold water.
The participants followed this routine for one month, and the researchers continued to monitor them for an additional three months.
The results revealed that the groups who took cold showers had a 29% reduction in sick leave compared to the control group. Interestingly, the duration of the cold shower (30, 60, or 90 seconds) did not make a significant difference in the outcome.
While the exact reason why cold showers might reduce illness remains unclear, some studies suggest it could be related to strengthening the immune system.
The study suggests that incorporating cold showers into your daily routine might offer health benefits, particularly in reducing the likelihood of illness. Although the mechanisms are not fully understood, the potential link to immune system enhancement makes cold showers a practice worth considering.