Take a cold shower

A few years ago, the chiller in our condo building packed up, and as a result we had no air-conditioning during a heat wave that had Toronto sweltering in a temperature of 45 degrees C (113 degrees F).

Tempers flared, residents were fainting in their units and a woman with heart problems came close to dying. 

When the temperature dropped to 35 degrees C (95 degrees F) everyone heaved a sigh of relief.  It was still hot, but noticeably cooler than the past three days.

All in all, the building was without air-conditioning for 18 days and when the cool air was finally restored, everyone was so happy they almost organized a party.

For the past four days we’ve had another problem … now the boiler is temperamental.  We have heat in our units, but no hot water.

What comes out of the taps is at best tepid water.  Doing the dishes is not such a problem, we can boil water in a pot and transfer it to the sink to get everything clean and grease free.  

The real problem is showering in the morning.

I don’t know about you, but I’m not a fan of cold showers.  Especially not now, in winter.  When that blast of cold water hit me yesterday, I nearly jumped out of my skin and the scream that echoed through the bathroom would have made a soprano jealous.

Later on I looked up if there are any health benefits to a cold shower.  Apparently there are quite a few, but I’ll give you my take on them.

Strengthens Immunity – My immune system is just fine thank you.  And if I get a cold or the flu once a year, that’s beneficial to my body as it gives me antibodies.

Better blood circulation – No problem there.  My blood goes round and round without stopping or even pausing.

Regulates temperature – This makes me feel like I should come with a thermostat.

Promotes Weight Loss / Increases Metabolism – If I lose any more weight, I’m going to resemble an ATM card.

Alleviates Depression – I’m not depressed.  I might feel down from time to time, but not to the point that I would call it a depression.

Deepens Breathing – Just exactly how deep do you want me to breath, down to my toes?

Keeps Skin and Hair Healthy – Washing my hair with cold water gave me a headache, and my skin looked like I was about to sprout feathers. 

Increases Energy and Wellbeing – Please, I have so much energy I resemble a ball in a pinball machine. 

Increases Hormone Production – the writer of the website writes “Cold water showers have the ability to increase hormone production and activity by giving the body’s glands a boost. For example, cold showers can be of great benefit to the reproductive system when trying to conceive a child”.

That’s it, I want my hot water back.  Should I find myself pregnant, this pinball machine is going to go tilt.