How I did it: I researched the subject and found the typical recommendation was three minutes hot, 1 minute cold, so I took a stopwatch into the shower and timed it. First time I tried it, I couldn't quite stand the maximum heat or the maximum cold, but I went for another cycle and did it! On the second day I went straight for maximum heat and maximum cold from the start.

I imagined the cold part would be the sort of thing that would feel a bit hellish at the time, but you'd tough it out for the sake of how it would feel afterwards, but actually it's quite enjoyable. The minute almost seems to pass too quickly!

Lessons & tips: Get a stopwatch and make sure it's waterproof before you take it into the shower.

Make sure the water goes all over, including your face. The top of your head is where you feel the contrast the most - don't be nervous, get it under there!

It doesn't have to be 3 minutes hot, 1 minute cold, but the hot part should be longer than the cold part, you should do at least two full cycles, and end on cold.

If you have the time and privacy, you can let your own body heat dry you off naturally.

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Jul 22, 2012, 01:06AM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer