Hell has frozen over

Because hell is a cold shower. And I’m freezing! I don’t know why I’m doing this to myself, I know I don’t have to, but I’ve always wanted to be one of those people who are brave enough to take them. So, I’ve increased my courage a very small amount and have been trying them on and off this year. I’m back on now. For as long as I can take it. I’m trying to stick with them because I always feel invigorated afterwards and I can see a difference in my skin. But of course I feel invigorated, I basically just escaped hell!

Cold showers supposedly do have many benefits:

• Improved circulation

• Stronger immune system

• Detoxifying

• Stronger nervous system

• Better skin and hair

And many other things I’m sure. So I’m adding them into my routine along with dry body brushing.

Dry body brushing is really nice. A little scratchy as the bristles are usually quite firm, but I enjoy this. I always feel like a prize pig, being brushed for a competition. I’ll brush about 3 times a week before a shower. It has a lot of the same benefits as a cold shower as well as a great way to exfoliate and drain your lymphatic system that flushes out toxins and decreases fluid retention.

THE ROUTINE:

I get my brush which you can get from most pharmacies and health food stores, and start brushing from the feet up. I always brush towards the heart. I alternate between brushing straight up and in circular motions. Then I continue with the rest of my body always brushing towards the heart. I am not an expert so don’t take it from me, but there are plenty of good instructions for body brushing online. I use instructions from The Beauty Book by Neal’s Yard. I love that book and like to make natural skin care products from it as well. More on that later.

Once I’m done brushing, I step in to a normal temperature, shower, wash and end on a cold stint at the end. I gradually turn off the hot water and just try and stick it out for at least a minute or two. I don’t let the water go on directly on my head, I want to preserve at least a few brain cells. After that I don’t go back to hot. I end on the freezing hell, summoning my inner Viking. Once I’ve escaped I give out a booming victory cry. I’m invincible, I’m a white-walker, I’m Braveheart! I’m sorry if you live with me.

I’ve only been doing this for a few weeks but I can already feel a difference by incorporating these two things into my routine. I am not an expert in any way so if you’re thinking about trying a cold shower, please make sure you’ve done your research and you’re being safe.

See you in hell!

H

#bodybrushing #coldshowers #detox #skincare