Do you hate catching cold? A relatively simple change in the shower could help you get sick a lot less, new research suggests.
As the seasons change, it seems like everyone is in bad shape.
But instead of consuming vitamin C, a new study from the University of Basel in Switzerland takes a different approach to avoiding the sniffles.
This new research points to psychology. If you’re willing to stick with something as unpleasant as a cold shower every day for 12 weeks, they found you’ll get sick a lot less.
Here’s what the researchers found.
Stick to cold showers
Researchers asked 735 people to take cold showers every day for three months. They had to stay in the showers on the coldest setting for 30 to 120 seconds, or about 59°F, where a normal shower would be around 100°F.
They found that those who were able to stick with it had 26% fewer sick days and 31% fewer days off work.
Not everyone was able to do it. Many people dropped out of college within the first two weeks, although the dropout rate declined afterward, suggesting that “people gradually get used to it,” said author and psychotherapist Lena Glaser.
The study indicates that women were more likely (by 33%) to drop out of school than men. Separate research suggests that women experience more discomfort than men in the same cold environment, perhaps in part because of a naturally higher core temperature.
Glaser noted that participants who were able to take cold showers overall showed “significant improvements” in overall well-being and vitality.
Several things come into play as to why cold showers are good for you. Cold temperatures kick your blood circulation into high gear to warm the heart, possibly boosting metabolism, easing pain and strengthening the immune system.
Motivate people to give up bad habits
Making a change that people know is good for them – and the world around them – can be a tough sell as long as it’s something they view as a sacrifice.
This was the central idea of this research. Would people make a change perceived as unpleasant and difficult – if they saw personal benefits in it?
In this study, Glaser highlights not only the benefits to personal health, but also the savings on utility bills. Additionally, a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions: during the study, 8.8 tons of emissions were saved.
Glaser compared it to avoiding meat, which has personal health benefits but also helps the environment.
“When people see a personal benefit to changing their behavior and don’t feel like they’re giving something up or missing out, they’re more motivated to stick with it.”
Not everyone should take cold showers, notes the Cleveland Clinic. People with heart disease or heart disease should not take cold showers. If you experience cold shock (intense stress or fear, panting, difficulty breathing) or feel dizzy, get out of the shower or warm the water.
If you want to try it, Glaser says you should start gradually and see how much you’re willing to resist, and push a little more over time.
“It’s important to listen to your body and pay attention to how you feel,” she said. “The water doesn’t need to be this cold every day.”
Gn world
