What’s the deal with cold showers?
These days I know everyone has been curious about cold therapy, specifically ice baths and/or cold showers. You either are game for the idea, suffer through it, and reap the benefits or it’s an automatic hard pass. Here’s the thing…for the last 6 months I have ended every shower in the AM with 30 seconds of cold water AND I have not called out sick in all of those days. Turns out that just that small amount of cold water every day is theorized to reduce sick time by 30%. As a working mom, 30% less downtime is worth it for me to be a little uncomfortable, especially with two school-age kids who are essentially walking Petrie dishes.
What are the “right now” benefits of cold therapy?
Here are some other benefits of cryotherapy or cold therapy:
- Improved muscle recovery
- Increased circulation
- Reduced inflammation
- Better sleep
- Enhanced immune function (yes please!)
- Improved mood (we all need this.)
I’m curious about cryotherapy, how can I try it at home?
My advice – start small, give yourself 15-30 seconds at the end of a few showers a week, and see how you feel! After about a week of cold shower protocol, I noticed I was in a better mood during my focus time at work, I felt more energetic during my day, and less sluggish after lunch, and even though I caught COVID again this year (and every other bug my kids bring home), my recovery has been 90% faster. It’s my self-care “secret weapon” – highly recommend.
Let us know how cold therapy is working for you! [cta email [email protected] and Prescott Woman Magazine]