If I’ve learned anything in my 19 years it’s that the best way to solve any problem is to take a shower. Feeling sick? Shower. Have some stuff to work through? Shower. Need to get away from family? Shower. Feeling gross? Shower.

I don’t know what it is about a shower that is so soothing. Is it the steam? The water pressure? Washing away the dirt and grime that has accumulated? Whatever it is, it’s working.

There is real research that has gone into finding out what makes showers so amazing. Basically it comes down to the temperature of the water and how that affects the body.

Warm showers or baths are linked to stress relief. This is because the hot water is said to loosen stiff muscles. A lot of the time when someone is plagued with stiff muscles they'll use heating pads to aid the problem, well warm water can do the same thing.

Another physical benefit is that warm water will open up your pores, cleaning out all the gunk that builds up in those babies. The benefits of shower are not only physical but mental as well.

Some studies have shown that a hot shower can boost oxytocin causing anxiety levels to drop. It is also said that steam and heat mimic the warmth a hug can provide. And, let’s get real, whose troubles don't melt away when they get a hug.

Cold showers or baths, on the other hand, are said to boost mood and motivation. It should be no surprise that cold water wakes you up. When showering with cold water the temperature can “shock” a part of your brain, “the blue spot”, that triggers the release of different hormones, specifically noradrenaline, that will boost your mood.

Not to mention it will also give you more energy, and who doesn’t need that nowadays. Cold showers also have physical benefits, such as tightening your pores which can help keep skin clear.

As stated above, warm water will clear your pores so following warm water with cold water will shut your pores and hopefully prevent anything from getting into them. It also helps regulate breathing.

The first thing you do when you get into something cold is take a deep breath (if you’ve never noticed that before think about times you’ve stepped into cold weather and I guarantee you’ll realize that it happens).

Now if you’re like me and need all the stress relief and mood boosters you can get, I suggest starting with a warm shower and slowly transition to a cold one. Yes, I know a cold shower doesn’t sound like the most pleasant thing when you first wake up but this way you get to rake in all the benefits. Who knew showers were more than just a way to get clean!