Too many of us wake up and allow autopilot to guide us through the path of least resistance to our desks for 9 o’clock sharp. At Commuter Mob, our aim is to suggest ways in which you can become more intentional about this time in between and use your commuting time productively. We believe the commute starts the second you open your eyes, and in this article, we’re going to suggest why one of the first things you should be doing is enjoying a cold shower. Yes, enjoying, not forcing yourself. Cold showers offer a plethora of physical and mental benefits for commuters that extend far beyond just waking you up in the morning with the icy shock factor.
Let’s get it out of the way… Shock Factor
For the weary commuter, the alarm clock is both a friend and a foe. The subsequent comfort of a warm shower may feel like a fair compromise after forcing your body out of bed at such an ungodly hour. However, the shock of cold water will snap you out of this state of self-pity altogether. The sudden cold immersion acts as a potent stimulant for the body’s sympathetic nervous system, instantly jolting you into a state of alertness and mental clarity. This is particularly beneficial for commuters who need that extra nudge to kickstart their day, preparing them to face the myriad of challenges that lie ahead. The commute is about switching your brain from relaxed ‘home mode’ to ‘work mode’. It is best to start this process immediately.
Small Wins
In our article, “Best Morning Routine For Commuters,” we emphasise the significance of achieving small wins and fulfilling personal commitments to foster a positive internal monologue. A cold shower serves as an excellent example of an activity that showcases behaviour demonstrating your commitment to yourself. Creating a positive internal monologue involves keeping promises to yourself and maintaining the belief that you adhere to your word, delivering on your commitments. This positivity radiates through every aspect of your life.
Tasks at work, issues in personal relationships, or general challenges to overcome will be approached with a can-do attitude, significantly increasing your likelihood of success. Such positive outcomes cannot be expected if your internal monologue is telling you, “Well, I quit sometimes” or “As long as it isn’t too hard.” It doesn’t matter how cold it is! Wake up, don’t snooze your alarm, make your bed, have a cold shower then go forth and conquer the day.
Increased Energy Levels
The mid- morning and afternoon slumps are familiar foes for commuters, sapping their energy and diminishing productivity. Cold showers, however, offer a natural remedy by enhancing metabolic rates. Metabolic rates are a biological mechanism that plays a pivotal role in fuelling the body’s energy production. The increased circulation and activation of brown fat cells during exposure to cold water contribute to a sustained boost in energy levels, providing commuters with the endurance needed to power through the demands of a day at work.
Stress Reduction
As we all know, the daily grind of commuting can take a toll on mental well-being. Whether it’s the battle with traffic or enduring the crowded public transport, there are countless stressors we all face on a daily basis. Cold showers, by triggering the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers, offer a powerful tool to combat this stress. Commuters who incorporate cold showers into their routine may find themselves better equipped to handle daily stressors, fostering mental resilience in the face of adversity.
It is truly a remarkable sensation, and one we hope all commuters will at least give a try. Nobody is denying it isn’t the most pleasant sensation or experience in the moment, but the feelings of joy experienced afterwards are very real. Blast some feel good tunes as soon as you get out and you’ll be dancing to the office.
Better Health
Commuters often find themselves exposed to germs and pathogens during their daily travels. You’ve probably experienced this yourself, the constant runny nose and tickly throat which become your unwelcome commuter comrade in those winter months. Well, cold showers play a role in fortifying the immune system, acting as a robust line of defence against these common seasonal illnesses. Exposure to cold water stimulates the production of white blood cells. As you may remember from school science lessons, it is these white blood cells which defend the body against diseases. No one wants to be ill, so even if none of the other reasons resonate with you, take a cold shower, they improve your body’s immune function.
Accelerated Muscle Recovery
It isn’t spoken about enough, but the commute can be a fairly physical endeavour. We aren’t even addressing the cyclists among us here who obviously get a workout in. A typical commute often involves a reasonable distance of walking, often with a sprinkling of stairs on top, all while carrying a heavy backpack. So for all of us, cold showers can be a secret weapon for muscle recovery.
The cold water has the ability to reduce inflammation and muscle soreness by constricting blood vessels which aids in accelerated recovery. A commuter who takes cold showers may find that their muscles recuperate faster, allowing them to face the challenges of the days ahead with increased ease. Cold showers have significant physical benefits alongside the mental health boosting advantages.
Time Efficiency
The mantra of the commuter is efficient time management where every minute counts. One less minute commuting is another spent in bed. (Read our article advising on reasonable commute lengths here). The shower is an easy place to save some time. Fortunately, a cold shower doesn’t demand the same time commitment as its warm counterpart. Apart from anything else, it’s bloody cold so you certainly won’t lounge around getting comfortable!
The invigorating effects of cold water can be experienced in a shorter timeframe, making it a practical option for individuals with busy schedules. A brief cold shower can be a refreshing pit stop as you rush to get ready for work, a quick recharge without compromising punctuality.
Environmental Consciousness
In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, commuters are increasingly aware of the impact of daily activities on the planet. Cold showers align with eco- friendly practices by reducing the need for excessive water heating. The energy savings associated with cold showers contribute to a smaller carbon footprint which should be a common goal for us all to strive for. A cold shower is an easy way to make your commute more sustainable without sacrificing any personal comfort… Okay, maybe a little.
Conclusion
In the seemingly relentless journey of the daily commute, the benefits of a cold shower rise up as a beacon for wellness. From the invigorating morning wake-up call to the immune system fortification and time-efficient rejuvenation, the advantages of incorporating cold showers into a commuter’s routine are as diverse as the challenges they face.
Cold water exposure has quickly boomed into the forefront of the self-help space and given the multitude of benefits it’s easy to understand why. It is topic largely popularised and pioneered by Wim Hof, a Dutch motivational speaker, nicknamed the iceman. It’s a fascinating area of research with cold showers truly just being the tip of the iceberg, pun intended.
By warmly embracing the cold embrace of a chilly shower, commuters can transform a part of their daily ritual into a moment of self-care, resilience, and environmental mindfulness. The next time you stand before the showerhead, consider taking the plunge into the invigorating world of cold showers- it might just be the refreshing boost your commuter lifestyle needs. We’ll allow you to have a warm one after the commute home, a fair compromise.