Feeling Sluggish? Wake Up With a Cold One
We know how important sleep is to our health and mental well-being, but sometimes life just gets in the way. Most people need between seven and nine hours of sleep a night.
But on nights when that doesn’t happen, you need some tools at your disposal to power through the day…AND be productive.
When you find yourself in that situation, don't reach for an energy drink or a venti coffee. As tempting as that may be, there's a better solution, and it’s much better for you.
Take a cold shower.
It may sound like a punishment, but once you step in that shower, the cold water sends a rush of electrical impulses to your brain. Those impulses increase endorphins, improve alertness and reduce depressive symptoms.
There is a right way to do this. Here’s the cold shower regimen. The temperature should be less than 68 degrees Fahrenheit. You should remain in the shower for three to five minutes to get the full benefit.
A cold shower is a simple and quick solution to ramp up your level of alertness. Some research also suggests that cold showers may help in weight loss, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation.
Give it a try. Next time you’re dragging, wake up with a cold one.
Who is Dr. Erik Korem
Dr. Erik Korem is on a mission to help people learn how to use stress to perform at their best – professionally, personally, and in any domain. It’s about being adaptable. He has spent the past 15 years working as a Sports Scientist and High-Performance Director in the NFL and major college and Olympic athletes. Today, he is an expert and thought leader in high performance who teaches others to be at their best without burning out or stressing out.