The ripple effect of “cold water therapy” has spread far and wide – from the icy garden tubs on your social media feed to the friends telling you about their refreshing sea swims. But, guess what? Harnessing the wellness perks of chilly dips – which we’ll get to in a moment – can be a seamless part of your daily routine, accessed at the simple blast of a shower head. Indeed, “cold shower therapy” is poised to make a big splash in the UK’s bathrooms this summer.
However, before you muse that this is what you already inadvertently “enjoy” while waiting for the water to heat up as part of your regular start to the day or wind-down at night, the Mira Activate with ColdBoost proves there’s much more to it. As part of the UK’s first guided cold water experience digital shower, you can plunge into the science-backed benefits from the comfort of your own bathroom.
While Mira’s setup may seem like something from the future – with a sleek display showing everything from live temperature to flow rate – what’s now known as cold water therapy can, in fact, be traced to ancient Greece. Back then, according to research, Hippocrates explored the use of cold water for boosting energy and increasing strength. In the present, being immersed in breathtaking water temperatures is more popular than ever – let’s dive into why …
Give stress the cold shoulder
Want to lift your spirits in the coming months? Earlier this year, a review by the University of South Australia of 11 studies exploring the health impact of cold water immersion concluded that it could reduce stress levels for up to 12 hours afterwards. And fortunately, with Mira’s ColdBoost “experiences” ranging from just one to three minutes, you can easily find the time in your schedule, and then enjoy the long-lasting mental positives. Better still, the temperature gradually rises before the shower automatically turns off, so you aren’t shivering your way into your towel.
You’re also likely to register the positive effects far sooner than you think. A 2022 study published in the journal Current Psychology discovered that participants who took cold showers for up to one minute every day reported feeling more Zen after just two weeks. It is thought the mood-boosting benefits come from an increase in feelgood neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, which are triggered by the chill.
Ice out sick days
There’s also evidence that cold water therapy can help boost immunity. A 2016 study took a group of participants who had never included it as part of their routine before and tasked them with showering at plummeting temperatures for 30 consecutive days. The finding that froze researchers in their tracks was a 29% decline in the amount of time absent from work due to sickness. Another study, from last year, suggested that the cold may enhance immunity by increasing the production of antibodies and inducing clever “physiological adaptations” that prime the immune response.
Now, both papers saw participants shower in the cold for 30, 60 or 90 seconds – and it seems structure and routine is key when it comes to absorbing the perks. Mira’s ColdBoost feature allows you to time your own experience down to the second, with a clock on the in-shower digital display counting you down encouragingly. It’s important to note that those with certain health conditions – such as cardiovascular issues or circulatory problems – should get the go-ahead from a doctor first, and that same goes if you’re pregnant.
Chill out before bed
Science has long agreed that a steamy shower shortly before lights out can help you nod off – with research showing that it aids the natural temperature regulation process that helps the body wind down in preparation to snooze. However, there’s evidence that exposure to cold water earlier in the day – when it is likely to perk you up – may actually be conducive to sleep quality at night, with Mira’s ColdBoost there exactly when you need it.
In one study, a group of runners with cold water exposure clocked more slow-wave sleep – the deepest sleep stage, which is vital for mental and physical recovery overnight – in the first three hours of shut-eye. They also stirred less throughout the night. Similarly, other research looking at swimmers found that just five minutes of chilly immersion was all it took to wake up feeling more refreshed. It is thought this is because cold water activates the parasympathetic nervous system – also known as the “rest and digest” system – which relaxes the body. Sounds dreamy.
Speed up glacial fitness gains
You probably know that cold water therapy has long been utilised by athletes as an effective recovery tool. Indeed, research from 2022 confirmed its positive effects, particularly after high-intensity exercise or endurance training. However, while ice baths may have been traditionally used after workouts to soothe sore muscles, for the rest of us there is evidence that showers trump baths for being more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly – and are easier to fit in post cool-down.
Although, take note of a study published this year warning against plunging into cold water too soon after exercise on account of blood flow and amino acid delivery to muscles. The latest advice is to wait a few hours after unlacing your trainers, at which point you can conveniently select one of Mira’s ColdBoost presets via voice, app or digital display. Each of the four levels includes a different temperature drop and duration – ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced immersion – so you can safely explore a cold blast at your own pace. Now, that’s cool.
Upgrade your everyday with Mira Activate with ColdBoost™ – the UK’s first guided cold water experience digital shower
