If you’re trying to kick the energy drink habit, punt on the Red Bull and take a cold shower instead.

This afternoon, I found myself at the ballpark, short on time and not in the mood to be patient. I was in no mood to twiddle my thumbs while the finicky shower slowly warmed. I bit my lip and hopped in. There is no need to illuminate the details related to loss of breath (and size).  You get it.

I emerged refreshed and ready to get back to work. No coffee, no BS canned sugar, just cold water on my skin. Better blood circulation rules. Don’t take my word for it. From medicaldaily.com:

Cold water can improve circulation by encouraging blood to surround our organs, which can then help combat some problems of the skin and heart. As cold water hits the body, it’s ability to get blood circulating leads the arteries to more efficiently pump blood, therefore boosting our overall heart health, according to Dr. Joseph Mercola, a natural health expert. It can also lower blood pressure, clear blocked arteries, and improve our immune system.

C’mon, you know we don’t take action around here based on the suggestion of a single doctor (particularly that one). However, we do work a process of upside potential versus downside risk. We also love the science of trial and error. If the only downside of the cold shower is shivering for a bit, and the upside is potentially increased immunity and energy, I like the affirmative step in that direction.

Pissed off about something? Upset about your 0 for 4? Somebody on your nerves? Hop in a cold shower. Be brave. It’s worth it. From fastcompany.com:

A 2007 study published by a molecular biologist named Nikolai Shevchuk found evidence that cold showers can help treat depression symptoms, and, if used regularly, might even be more effective than prescription antidepressants. “The mechanism that can probably explain the immediate mood-lifting effect of immersion in cold water or cold shower is probably the stimulation of the dopaminergic transmission in the mesocorticolimbic and nigrostriatal pathway,” Shevchuk said in a 2008 podcast with Neuroscene. “These dopaminergic pathways are known to be involved in the regulation of emotions. There is a lot of research linking these brain areas to depression.

Dopaminergic? Damn. I love words.

Strong mind,

Kap