Nudging: Take a cold shower

By Carolyn Weeks Carpenter, Guest Nudger

Oh, how I love finding a kindred spirit! Carolyn is a long-time Nudger, and I’m thrilled she agreed to lead us in this week’s Nudge. She chose this one from my own list, and frankly, I’m grateful: It quite likely would have been one I’d passed on, if given the chance. Let’s dive in, shall we? –Kathleen

If I’m ever going to take a cold shower, it will be because I’ve been challenged or nudged. I’d rather avoid bathing altogether than do something that sounds so chilly, Spartan, and uncomfortable. But then, why am I hearing so much buzz across all media about cold therapy for health? Social media posts of friends sitting in ice baths, books promoting it as a tool for longevity, storefronts offering the experience…. Why is this even a thing?

I have a distinct memory of a health class movie from my high school days titled “This is Joe’s Heart,” which followed Joe through his day highlighting everything that damaged his heart. Probably the only reason I remember this (as movies from that era are vague at best), is the cold shower he took and how it wasn’t good for his heart (aside from his sedentary and smoking habits).

I’ve never researched cold showers, but I’m curious. I took Kathleen’s offer to commit and document this Nudge. If so many people are singing the praises of cold therapy, maybe I just need to try it myself.