It’s cold outside my comfort zone
I tried a thing I read on Medium — it was weird and wonderful.
I did a weird thing this morning. Something I read here on Medium.
I am obsessed with ideas on how to be a better version of yourself. I love reading about little ways people increase their productivity, creativity and happiness. Medium is a great place for this!
Sometimes, the suggestions can get repetitive, but every now and then you find a gem that peaks your curiosity.
Yesterday, I read an idea in Benjamin P. Hardy’s story. At first I didn’t think much of it. Apparently, though, the suggestion creeped into my psyche. Without warning, it manifested itself this morning.
I didn’t have a very good night of sleep, wasn’t able to get up as early as I’d normally like and felt like my morning was off to a bad start. I needed to take a shower and there it was.
“take a cold shower”
What? A cold shower? Like to get clean? Who does that?
I told you it was a bit strange. But I gave it a try. I didn’t go ice cold, but certainly cold. Not luke warm. Cold.
I stood outside the shower wondering why I was subjecting myself to this. Then I remembered one of my favorite moments from the past weekend — jumping into an ice cold reservoir with a friend after a long, hot run. It was exhilarating, refreshing, and relaxing. I channeled that energy and forced myself into the cold shower.
It was shocking, as you would expect, but the longer I stood in it, the better it got. Even so, I didn’t stay in there for long. I probably took a shower in about half the time that I normally did, so that’s a plus for saving water!
It wasn’t my during-the-shower experience that has intrigued me about this idea. It’s the after.
After a hot shower, I’m normally really cold getting dressed and want to get back in bed to warm up immediately. After the cold shower, I was refreshed rather than shivering. As I sit here to write this my body feels warm and awake. Somehow, I feel much more relaxed that I ever do after a hot shower. It’s counterintuitive. I’ll keep this feeling in the back of my mind for next time.
I tried something different. It was strange and unexpected. I kind of hated it, and kind of loved it at the same time. I started my day outside my comfort zone, which apparently is one of the goals of the cold morning shower.
Even though I’m behind schedule and low on sleep, I feel ready to make the most out of this day.
Cold morning shower, maybe you’re not that weird after all.
