Taking a Cold Shower for a Year: Does It Really Save Money and What Effects Does It Have on Your Body?

Taking cold showers has become trendy for various reasons. We explore whether it really works.

If you only take cold showers for a year, you will not only overcome your limitations and lack of discipline but also save money. But how much do you actually save? Here's what the experts say.

The first difficulty faced was determining whether there were any real savings for those who favor cold showers, as factors such as hygiene habits, the volume of water used, and the cost of gas come into play. In this case, switching from ten minutes of hot showers to five minutes of cold showers resulted in a saving of around 550-kilowatt hours per year. At a gas price of 12 cents per kilowatt hour, this equates to around $66.

As you can see, this is a small saving that may not be enough motivation for many. However, that is not all, as cold showers can bring multiple health benefits.

Among them, cold showers help improve blood circulation and stimulate the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting pathogens. Additionally, they can help you lose weight, as it has been shown that cold showers speed up metabolism, increasing our caloric expenditure even at rest. They can also improve the appearance of our skin, making it smoother and reducing the visibility of cellulite. The benefits can also be psychological: the temperature shock helps reduce stress and anxiety, as well as making us feel fresher and more energetic to start the day.

However, it is worth noting that this practice can bring some risks that you should be aware of before trying it. The first thing you want to avoid is cold shock, which manifests as difficulty breathing, a drastic increase in heart rate, and muscle cramps. It can also cause a drop in body temperature, leading to chills and general discomfort.

Moreover, exposure to ice-cold water can irritate the skin or cause dryness, especially for those with atopic or sensitive skin. So, before deciding whether you are ready for a new habit or not, try cold showers for several minutes, and see how your body and mind react. You can also consult your doctor to get a piece of advice on this matter.