Taking cold showers could improve physical and mental health while reducing household energy bills and carbon emissions, Euronews reported.
According to a study by Dr. Lena Glaser, even small changes in daily habits can benefit both people and the environment. The study, involving 719 adults aged 18 to 65, found that participants who took cold showers for 12 weeks had, on average, 31% fewer sick days than the control group.
Although some participants dropped out of the experiment, those who continued appeared to adjust to cold water gradually. They also reported feeling more energetic and mentally refreshed after taking cold showers.
How cold showers help the environment
Cold showers can also reduce water and energy consumption, helping households save money while lowering their carbon footprint.
According to the study, reducing the water temperature from 40°C to 15°C during a 40-liter shower saves approximately 1.3 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy, roughly enough to boil an electric kettle 10 times or run a washing machine for one cycle.
Cold showers may also encourage people to spend less time washing, further reducing water consumption.
How to get started
Glaser recommends gradually lowering the water temperature rather than switching immediately to very cold showers. She says people should pay attention to how their bodies respond and adjust the temperature according to their comfort level.
The researcher believes small lifestyle changes that offer personal benefits are more likely to become lasting habits, especially when they also help protect the environment.
