A few days ago I came across this article on Facebook and couldn’t help but read through the comments (because you know, the comments are usually even better than the post). I was honestly surprised at the amount of people absolutely not willing to try a blast of cold water to end their shower. Quite a few “I’ll stick with my coffee thank you very much.” and “Never! I need it hot, hot, HOT.”

I get it guys. The thought of standing under a freezing cold shower, especially first thing in the morning, can be downright petrifying. Who in their right mind would want to do that? Well that would be me. And my crazy arse will continue doing this act for as long as humanly possible.

Why do I love this torture (which I have touched on before)? First of all it’s short term torture. Unlike a long run on a treadmill where you are fractioning up the time you have left (only 3 7minute sections until I’m done – we all do this right?), this “workout” lasts all of 60 to 90 seconds. That’s like nothing. Secondly, you gain so much out of so little time invested. To name just a few:

Here is the challenge I am proposing. During the month of May end all your showers with 60 to 90 seconds of the coldest temperature you can absolutely stand (longer if you really want to feel the benefits faster). You absolutely cannot wuss out on the water temperature. Scream if you have to – just be sure that water is cold. No turning on the hot before you get out. You need to end that shower with goosebumps and lots of brrrs.

After the first time you will feel like “What the hell am I doing?” but you will also feel like you just drank a cup of high octane coffee. Except this is way better than coffee because it’s natural energy which means no crashing.

By shower 5 you should be feeling tougher – that energy becomes addicting. You may even notice your hair is cleaner and shinier. Overall you should feel “good” with stress being less bothersome and sleep being easier to come by. (Some even suggest a cold shower 60 minutes before bed to promote better zzzz’s.)

Of course this is not a cure all. You’re not going to lose 10 pounds in a week or be a ball of energy every single moment. But I can say from my own experience that the challenge will give you a sense of accomplishment, and that cold water will be your best frenemy.

As Elsa says….”The cold never bothered me anyway.”

Good luck!

*For the record I have ZERO education in any sort of health related topic. Use common sense please. If you are not allowed to raise your pulse for some reason – don’t try this. And if you are accident prone – have a tendency to jump around when you are cold – you should probably refrain as well. Thank you.