02/15/2026
Cold showers and hot showers both offer unique health benefits, and combining them can be even more powerful.
Cold showers help improve circulation, reduce muscle soreness, boost alertness, and strengthen mental resilience by activating the body’s stress response in a controlled way.
They can also support immune function and leave you feeling energized and refreshed.
On the other hand, hot showers relax muscles, ease tension, improve blood flow, and promote better sleep by calming the nervous system.
The warmth can also open pores and help relieve congestion.
Doing a blend—often called contrast showering, where you alternate between hot and cold—can stimulate circulation, reduce inflammation, speed up recovery after workouts, and provide both relaxation and an energy boost, giving you the best of both worlds.
Video: Dr. Eric Berg