A cold shower can do more than wake you up...

According to a recent study in Medical Hypotheses cold showers alleviate the symptoms of, and could even prevent depression. The study authors believe that the blues might be triggered by a lack of physical stressors. Because our skin contains 3 to 10 times more cold receptors than those registering warmth, cool water is the equivalent of mild electroshock therapy. It activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing the brain to release noradrenaline, a chemical with antidepressant effects. The study authors recommend spending two to three minutes in 68-degree water.