When it comes to starting your day or loosening up at night, the choice between a hot and cold shower may seem like a matter of personal preference, but the impact of both is more significant than you realize. 

     A hot shower is tempting when you want to relax and relieve pressure. According to Healthline, taking a hot shower is a common practice for muscle relaxation before going to sleep. Hot showers activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for our body’s rest and digestion response when the body is in a relaxed state. 

     Hot showers are also found to be used as a “natural remedy” to reduce cold and cough symptoms. As mentioned in Healthine, the heat from the water and steam surrounding you can help to open airways and clear out nasal passages. While you are in a sauna, for example, your blood flow increases and the experience can help reduce tension in the joints and relieve sore muscles.

     The soothing effect of a sauna contrasts with the sharp sensation of a piercing cold shower, which can make you feel more alert. According to Health, when cold water hits your skin, your circulation increases and blood rushes to your core. This helps transport more oxygen through your body, helping feel more alert. An endorphin rush, or a short deeply euphoric state, is experienced when your body is under chilly water. 

     “I take cold showers and ice baths after a workout,” sophomore Zack Zimilis said. “My body is aching, and cold water calms me down and helps me focus more. Sometimes the freezing water barely feels cold because I am sweating from my gym session.” 

     Similar to hot showers, cold showers may also reduce stress levels, as long as it is paired with breath-work. According to Onepeleton, a trial showed that participants who paired breath regulation exercises with a 15 to 60-second cold shower daily over 14 days reported lower stress levels compared to a controlled group.

     It’s also important to note when to take a hot or cold shower. According to Webmd, humans with arthritis, for instance, may benefit more from a warm shower in the morning than a cold one because the water is easier on their bones and allows them to experience increased mobility. However, an athlete who suffers from a sports injury may benefit from a cold shower to reduce inflammation. 

     “Cold water therapy helps with alertness and is superior in pain relief for muscle soreness, while hot water therapy helps with alleviating germs and joint stiffness,” Anatomy Teacher Lisa Berner said. “Theoretically, one could benefit from a cold shower in the morning and a warm bath in the evening.”

     Showering doesn’t always count as just a daily routine, but  deeply impacts your bodily functions. It is crucial to understand how your shower temperature can affect your mental and physical state.