Should you get into a nice hot bath or Brrrrr your way out of one? The answer is – it depends on your goals! Hot and cold water baths have been around for a long time, since even Roman times. Many people are under the misconception that a hot or warm water bath is much better for the body than a cold one. That's not really the case though, and there are many reasons why one is better than the other. The difference is mostly just the perception. It all boils down to your body being able to retain more heat after you take a hot bath. This means that a hot water bath would actually be better for you if your goal is to lose weight. Because your body is receiving heat, your metabolism will go the extra mile to maintain the temperature. Cold water, on the other hand, has been shown to actually have a negative effect on weight loss. Those who take cold showers or baths don't do anything to warm their body. They also don't drink enough water in general as their body stays cold. The colder they keep themselves, the harder it is for them to lose weight. Both types of baths have advantages and disadvantages, depending upon your goal. If you just want to relax and get rid of stress, then taking a hot or warm shower is a great way to do it. This is because hot water opens up your pores and detoxifies your skin. However, if you want to feel fresh and awake, then taking a cold water bath is amazing for you. For elderly people, cold water baths may be too harsh. They may get joint inflammation and joint pain. They may even catch a cold if the water is too cold. Similarly, you should only use lukewarm water to bathe babies and kids. Warm water and soap are also better at cleaning dirt away than cold water. But if you are healthy and have strong immunity, there’s no reason to skip on the cold showers. They will rev you up for the day and increase your focus and concentration levels. Maybe go for cold showers in the mornings before going to work and end the day with a long, hot, relaxing bath. You should just try them both for a week or so and see how it affects your moods and energy levels.
