Image by me
Ah, the noble showertime. When can we freshen up our form under the refreshing H2O that has been sent through pipe after pipe, straight toward our homes, where we can bask in the cleansing waters. We can breathe in the steam that swirls around us, in a rare peace, a rare refuge from the day.
Or, we can shiver under the unrelenting torment that comes with selecting a cold stream, and attempt to soothe our minds with the idea that this temperature would be better for us.
Ever since we have created them, we humans have been pondering whether it is greater to use the opportunity of the shower as a place to unwind, or as a cold water therapy to potentially increase our health. Today, I present a basic rundown of the pros and cons of each of the two temperatures.
Contents:
Enjoyability
Hot take: warm water is more pleasant to stand in than cold water. In warm water, you are less likely to shiver, and more likely to smile. In cold water, you are less likely to diddle-daddle in bliss, and more likely to actively avoid the chills, subconsciously or not. Enough said.
Price
Historically, heated water has always been pricier than unheated water, as it takes more energy, and is much more time-sensitive. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find any data on the actual cost difference, but you can understand my point anyway, I’m sure.
Effect on health
The two different temperatures of showering produce different effects on the body. Cold showers are generally healthier, as they produce anti-depression hormones, prevent colds (oddly enough), and reduce hair loss. Warm showers don’t do those things, though they can reduce muscle tension, and remove toxins from the body. Maybe the effects are just about even, but who knows?
Effect on rest
Cold showers shock your body and energize you, while warm showers open pores and clean skin, instead calming you down. Thus, the former have been said to be better for in the mornings, while the latter are better suited for the evening. All in all, though, the effects aren’t too powerful, and wear off one way or another if you don’t think about them.
Conclusion
What to make of all this? Are cold showers all they’re cracked up to be? Are warm showers worth it?
To each their own, but I have chosen the Semi-Middle way. About a third of my showers, I’ll leave cold, and the rest I’ll have warm. But, that’s just my opinion. You may find yours. Shower as you like, not as the world likes.