1. Stronger immune system
There are many studies that confirm the connection between cold showers and the immune system. In fact, it’s not just about showering, but even swimming in cold water. In Siberia, as soon as it gets cold, children bathe in ice-cold water for a few minutes every day. The result is that in those areas, colds and the flu are almost unknown in the winter. They say that 5 minutes in water that’s about 10 degrees (Celsius) cold will protect you from various illnesses for 6 weeks.

2. Fat burning
A problem of the winter months is that the body automatically switches to energy-saving mode and starts storing fat for hard times. In ancient times, this probably saved people from freezing to death, but today, some of these primal traits remain innate. That’s why most of us gain weight in winter months.

They say that every minute under a cold shower will burn about 100 calories. Most of this energy will come from the fat deposits collected in your body. So: cold showers help with weight loss.

3. Better blood circulation
If your hands or feet are cold, if you feel tired, or your muscles hurt, in those cases you almost certainly have problems with circulation. Try showering with water as cold as possible, which will trigger self-heating reactions in your body—that is, activate circulation. Good blood circulation is beneficial for all sorts of other problems and illnesses as well.

4. Healthier skin and hair
Hot water opens, while cold water closes, dilated pores on the skin. That’s why the skin looks smoother and healthier. In addition, hot water can dry out the scalp, making hair less elastic and harder to comb.

5. Better lymphatic system
The lymphatic system is like a garbage disposal in our body, because it helps remove waste materials. Proper functioning of the lymph is particularly important when we are ill, as toxins are removed from the body more quickly. Cold water causes better and faster circulation, and as the body tries to maintain working temperature, all muscles are activated, which produces a similar effect as the most strenuous sports. All this contributes to a better functioning lymphatic system, which in turn helps to cleanse the body.

If you don’t like cold showers, it’s still a good idea to try at least once a week, if nothing else, at least partially to cleanse your body.

6. Cleaner respiratory passages
In addition to better circulation, our breathing also changes—it becomes deeper and more intense as a reflex. This means the lungs take in more oxygen, and the airways open up and relax.

7. Better sleep
If you are struggling with insomnia, or are plagued by nightmares, shower with cold water at least an hour before bed. This will reduce stress, relax muscle tension, you’ll activate your body for one last time, and then you’ll fall asleep more peacefully under a warm blanket. Once you try it and feel the sensation of relaxation that follows a cold shower, you’ll quickly get used to this habit. There’s nothing better than jumping into a warm, soft bed in the winter.