Cold Shower Benefits After 55 – My 6-Month Experience & Tips
- bulent unlu
- Aug 3
- 3 min read
Is a Cold Shower Good for You?
I’d like to share my personal experience with cold showers over 55, and what I learned from trying them for six months. This simple routine became a surprisingly powerful part of my morning routine after 55, and here’s what I discovered along the way.
My 6-Month Cold Shower Journey
From June to November last year, I took cold showers 4 to 5 times a week. After a brisk 15-minute walk each morning — part of my new health routine — I’d go straight into a cold shower. That walk helped warm up my body, making the cold exposure more manageable.
On days without light exercise, the cold felt sharper and more intense, which highlights the importance of warming up before a cold shower, especially for post-exercise recovery or for those over 55.
How I Took Cold Showers
I didn’t jump straight in. Like many beginners wondering how to start cold showers, I eased in gradually:
Started by splashing cold water on my arms, chest, and legs
Slowly increased exposure over time
Eventually transitioned to full-body cold showers, from head to toe
Some people begin with warm water and slowly turn it cold — another great method for beginners. During the shower, I kept moving and avoided staying under one stream for too long, which is one of my best cold shower tips.
How Long Did I Stay Under the Water?
On average, I stayed under the cold water for about 3 to 4 minutes. If you’re just starting out, aim for 1–2 minutes and gradually increase your time as your body adapts. This helps reduce the shock and makes the process more enjoyable.
How Did I Feel Afterwards?
Every time I finished, I felt:
Energized and dynamic
Refreshed
Mentally focused
Tighter skin
Calmer scalp and less itchy hair
Very awake afterwards
Happier and livelier start to the day
That’s why I believe in the energy boost from cold showers. Whether I was heading into a busy workday or winding down after a shift, it gave me clarity and a positive jolt to my system.
How your body adapt to cold shower is, your immunuen system alerts soon as your body feels the cold water, and tries to do something about it to protect your body against to this cold shock. As everytime I finish having a cold shower, my bathrooms mirrors gets steams up, just like when you have the hot showers. What happens here is your body rushes to heat your body temperature up to protect you against to the cold shower.
Would I Recommend Cold Showers?
Speaking as someone over 55 — absolutely.
If you’re asking, "Are cold showers good for you?", I can say that for me, the answer is yes. They’ve helped both physically and mentally, and are now part of my long-term wellness routine. The benefits of cold showers include better mood, increased alertness, and quicker post-exercise recovery.
So if you're curious, don’t wait — just try it, take it slow, and see how you feel.
In a Dutch study, people who took daily cold showers for 3 months ended up taking 30% fewer sick days off work.
Dr. Mosley’s talks about cold showers, also Dr. Chris Van Tulleken is experiencing
cold showers effects and benefits.
Cold Shower Tips
Warm up your body first (e.g., walk or light stretches)
Start with short bursts on smaller areas
Don’t stand still – keep moving
Build up gradually over time
Use cold showers as part of your morning routine or after exercise
You can start with warm shower first, and then slowly turning into cold shower, that way will be easier to get used to.
Important Note
⚠️ If you have any health conditions or concerns, always consult your healthcare provider before starting cold exposure health practices like cold showers. Safety comes first.
Disclaimer
This article is based on my personal experience and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
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