Have a kettle bath instead
A kettle bath is an easy way to get yourself washed without having to brave a cold shower. You should start by filling the bath with a few inches of cold water and then top it up with a kettle full of boiling water to take the edge off the cold.
Of course, you could keep on boiling more kettles of water (or heat up water in pans) but the idea here isn’t to fill the bath as you would normally. We're just looking to have enough water so that you can get washed and ready.
Before you step inside the bath, remember to check the temperature to make sure it’s not too hot. You’ll also need a beaker or small plastic bowl from the kitchen so that you can rinse your hair if you plan to shampoo it.
If you’re concerned that the water level isn’t very high, remember that the presence of your body in the bath will displace the water enough to make it rise. Also, please do take care when handling boiling water, particularly when carrying the kettle upstairs.
Have a cold shower in stages
If you’re in a rush - or if a kettle bath isn’t possible - then the following tips should help get through a cold shower with minimal discomfort.
The first thing you should do is get yourself a warm towel, either by placing it on a heated towel rail or by popping it in the tumble dryer. If you do use the tumble dryer, make sure you set a timer so that your towel is nice and toasty for when you step out of the shower.
Next, you want to make sure your shower is set to the highest pressure so that you can rinse your hair and body as quickly as possible. When you’re ready, submerge your head first to get your hair wet enough to apply shampoo then quickly step out from under the shower.
Shampoo your hair quickly to minimise how long your hair is soaked in cold water, then pop your head back under and rinse it clear of the shampoo. Once you’re done, step clear of the water and apply your conditioner (optional) and body wash.
Finally, step back under again, turning your body quickly to rinse your hair and body clear of the suds. Once you’re done, step out of the shower carefully (as you may be numb or shocked from the cold) and grab your warm towel!
Embrace taking a cold shower
Some people swear by the health benefits of taking a cold shower, so rather than viewing your shower predicament as a curse, why not embrace it as a blessing?
Cold showers make you stronger
For starters, a hot shower is probably going to relax your body and make you feel even sleepier in the mornings. Whereas the sudden drop in temperature from a cold shower will shock your body into vasoconstriction, which causes your blood vessels to constrict and forces blood from your arms and legs and into your core.
This, combined with a sudden increase in respiration, will help to oxygenate your entire body, leaving you feeling far more awake and energetic. Over time, this can also lead to a lasting improvement in your blood circulation.
Cold showers are better for your skin
Hot water has a tendency to dry out your skin by stripping away healthy natural oils. However, this happens much less with cold water and as an added bonus cold water helps to “tighten” your pores, preventing them from getting clogged with dirt.
The health benefits also extend to your hair, with cold water flattening your hair follicles and increasing their grip on your scalp. This results in stronger, shinier and healthier looking hair.
Cold showers help with muscle recovery
If you regularly visit the gym, you’ll know about delayed muscle soreness which usually hits a day or so after exercise. This is why athletes often take ice baths or use ice packs to reduce the soreness of their muscles. A cold shower after the gym works in a similar way, helping your muscles to recover at a much faster rate.
