If you really want to wake up in the morning, forget the coffee, a cold shower is where it’s at. According to an oft-referenced study in the Journal of Applied Physiology, “immersion in cold water stimulates release of norepinephrine from the sympathetic nervous system.” Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that activates your brain, boosts energy, makes you more alert, and enhances focus. And if you’re looking for a jolt first thing, find out How You Can Have More Energy in the Morning. In addition to boosting your energy and making you more alert, the norepinephrine released when you take a cold shower also has a positive effect on your mood. A 2008 study published in Medical Hypotheses found evidence that exposure to cold water can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb “Due to the high density of cold receptors in the skin, a cold shower is expected to send an overwhelming amount of electrical impulses from peripheral nerve endings to the brain, which could result in an anti-depressive effect,” the study authors wrote. And for more helpful information delivered to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. According to a 2014 study in the North American Journal of Medical Sciences, cold water therapy has been proven to effectively reduce pain and inflammation, as well as shorten the amount of time necessary for the body to recover from physical activity. In fact, the researchers found that regular winter swimming in cold temperatures “relieved pain [in those] who suffered from rheumatism, fibromyalgia, or asthma; and improved general well-being in swimmers.” And for another way to find relief when you’re hurt, check out This One Simple Trick Can Help Ease Your Pain in Seconds, Study Says When have we ever needed a strong immune system more than we do right now? Well, cold showers can help with that too. According to a 2016 study in the journal PLoS One, people who take cold showers are 29 percent less likely to call in sick for work or school. And for another way to stay healthy, check out This One Surprising Thing Makes Your Immune System 50 Percent Stronger.
