Summary

The article discusses the benefits of taking cold showers for mental clarity and creativity.

Abstract

The article "Why Some of the Best Thoughts Come in Cold Shower" explores the concept of using a cold shower as a mindfulness activity to foster inspiration and unique thoughts. It suggests that the solitude and undisturbed nature of showering can lead to a state of being oneself without judgment, akin to walking without music. The author emphasizes that cold showers can increase oxygen flow to the brain, leading to a refreshed and calm state of mind, similar to the effects of yoga and meditation. The article also points out that the invigorating sensation after a cold shower can boost energy levels and motivation, potentially resulting in creative output. The author reflects on the freedom of engaging in activities like dancing or overthinking when alone and not facing screen time, advocating for the use of this solitary time to generate ideas.

Opinions

The author believes that a cold shower is an underrated mindfulness activity that can help generate unique thoughts.
Music is seen as a catalyst for creativity, with the author describing a "shower DJ" alter-ego that emerges when music is played during showers.
Cold showers are considered beneficial for the brain due to increased oxygen intake at lower temperatures, promoting a sense of calm and freedom.
The freshness experienced after a cold shower is linked to heightened energy levels and motivation, which can be channeled into productive tasks.
The article suggests that the privacy of the shower allows for uninhibited self-expression and the opportunity to engage in activities that can lead to creative insights.
The author values the solitude and disconnection from screen time during showers as a way to focus on personal thoughts and ideas.

Why Some of the Best Thoughts Come in Cold Shower

Who are you when no one is watching?

For free time, you need a space to be yourself, space where no one judges you.

Especially when you are looking for inspiration, sometimes you do need an environment where you cut-off all digital distractions and be in the moment. Yes, mindfulness is just that!

Walking ( without music ) is one of them. You need alone time to do whatever the hell you want. Now, walking won’t work that independently because you can’t do it as Archimedes’ nailed it with Eureka! Hint: He ran naked in the streets. And if you are reading this, you are not a 2 year old.

I don’t know about the timing of shower, but, since you do it daily ( I want to trust you ), showering is one of the most under-rated mindfulness activity.

Here is how cold shower helps ( idea for this blog ) you generate some unique thoughts:

You can be yourself.

I take my JBL Flip 3. I take it almost everywhere. When I used to go to the gym a few months — when they were a thing — I used to bring it to the shower room too.

It is like a mini DJ in the restroom. I even converted strangers to friends with my shower DJ personality. That is my alter-ego when I shower after workout.

It is because I am a music freak. Can’t help it. Music is my best inanimate friend that helps my creative juices flow. I listen to it whenever I crave some jazz. Mix shower, and I am a dancer without disco lights!

A cold shower is refreshing for the brain.

Just like all parts of the body, the brain needs oxygen to work peacefully.

The lower the temperature, the more oxygen you receive. Some basic gas laws: density of the gas is inversely proportional to temperature.

So, when the brain gets oxygen, it feels calm and free. The same reason why yoga and meditation leave you feeling relaxed in the end. They focus on slow breathing which ensures your mind uses oxygen in the most immersive way possible.

A cold shower will cleanse your thoughts just like it does to your body.

The most prominent feeling you get after a cold shower is freshness. Any task you do after that will just flow without much hesitation because you have just cleaned yourself and you want to seize the day now.

Your energy levels will be high ( especially in the morning ), and you will want to put it to work before the motivation dies.

Lucky for you, if the thoughts did not vaporise, you would create something out of it. Maybe share it on the spot with someone!

Takeaways

When no one is watching, you can do whatever the hell you want. Be it dancing, jumping, masturbating, overthinking, fantasizing, etc. It is how you use that short burst of mindfulness to come up with some ideas you were craving for so long.

Especially when you are not facing screen time, you are not worried about what is going on in the world. Instead, you are busy in your own — thinking, chilling and cleansing your body and your mind.

This blog belongs to a series of posts I am publishing in this 100-days streak. Today is day 92. Navigate to the end of article 22, for the references from day 23 onwards. If you would like to read the ones before day 22, here is the first one that documents them in the end.

~ Sanjeev