Cold shoulders

I thought the ‘Cold comfort’ article (July, p74) was very interesting! A cold shower – about 7˚C, as cold as the tap allows – is now part of my daily routine, which I believe has had a profound effect on my health. One of the benefits is a greater mental toughness: once I’ve convinced myself that the cold blast will be worth it and endured the freezing, breathless few minutes that follow, I’ve overcome two psychological obstacles, which makes for a great start to the day!

Do you think that regular cold showers could be as beneficial as a dip in the sea, as adapting to the shock of cold water is key to both scenarios?

Nick Griffiths, Cardiff

I talked to environmental physiologist Mike Tipton about this exact topic. He said, “cold water immersion is better for you than a cold shower, because you get cold faster, but it’s just regular immersion that’s important.”

So you may well be getting the same benefits from your cold showers, but the regularity is more important than the method. Although I couldn’t find any instances of this being tested scientifically, many of the swimmers I’ve interviewed about cold water immersion cite exactly the same thing as you do – it imparts a mood-boosting sense of achievement and self-belief. Keep it up, however you choose to do it!

Helen Glenny, science journalist