Midlife Crisis: Support for Left Behind Spouses
Archives => Archived Topics => Topic started by: stayed on February 19, 2015, 02:17:57 PM
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Hi Folks:
El Ray threw this challenge out onto MyBrainIsBroken thread (seriously we got's to get that lad to change his handle :-\ , I feel down every time I read it).
BTW -- I read somewhere that forcing yourself each morning to finish your shower with two minutes of full-on 75% Cold Water forms will power, determination, and self confidence. Everyday, you face it down, and win. It also apparently fires your engine for the day.
http://www.thefeelgoodlifestyle.com/how-i-crushed-the-30-day-cold-shower-challenge-the-great-life-secret-i-discovered.html
Any body up for a 30 day challenge?
I think I'm going to have a go... I love Motivational Stuff...hehehe.
Hugs Stayed
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Lordy.... Is there no 30-day challenge involving chocolate or something?
I'll have a think.
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lol There probably is, find it we'll get lot's of takers for that one, I bet.. hehehe!
Hugs Stayed
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It's 15 below zero where I live... What the he//, I'm in. Also, love the idea of only positive talk on this thread! Unless it's something about how damn cold the shower was!
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Oh boy! Brrrrr! I suppose it might do me some good to have a cold shower and put my poor, starved "lovin' hormones" to rest. ;) ;)
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Gotta be kidding. It's -30C here.
I have no genetic antifreeze, only coolant. Getting miserable just thinking about cold water. Warm thoughts, warm thoughts..... OK i might try it once. :P
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Lol.. now we talking! I'm in...
Yea, only boohooing about how "cold" the darn shower was... ok?
Sunshine and light... Stayed
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We're having windchill to -30
I think the thought of more being super cold would only motivate me to not shower ;D
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I'm in!
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-4 protected tomorrow but I'm in and dragging my 17 year old son along. He was sold after watching that TED talk.
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You must be in North America, hehehe... even Florida is just above freezing, hehehe. I heard you silly Americans have been throwing yourself out of windows into nice fluffy snow banks in your underpants ... a 2 minute cold shower should be easy...
Come on MsT... I can't believe you aren't up for a little challenge.. hehehe
Welcome Blindsided... I should think so El Ray... it's your IDEA! silly boy!
Remember... no negative anything accept to complain about how damn cold the shower was, hehehe..
Hugs Stayed
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But it causes willie to get a little wee is all I'm saying.
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Now MeNow... that sounds like a personal problem to me.. hehehe!
hugs Stayed
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Thanks Stayed, I knew I could count on your "support".
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The wind is whistling as I type this- it's got to be about 20 below with the windchill.
I took a shower today and I have the tiniest heater in the world in the bathroom. I'm cold enough for me! I dried off quick put on some warm comfortable clothes crawled back into my nice warm bed and slept half the day ...I think I'm in hibernation mode ::)
I think I like the chocolate challenge idea better...
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I want a "kiss a girl challenge". Come on elray!
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Sorry menow....no kisses for you.. At least not from me. Maybe a find the boys challenge soon though.
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Count me out as I'm too much of a coward. I like to be all cosy and warm.
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Feeling a bit like the Aussies have no excuse given we are in the hottest month of the year.
I'll try it once and then see ;)
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UK - I don't recall seeing a rule that you cannot reward such a good effort with chocolate. I know I intend to...
I'm in. Some cold water might be just the distraction I need. I can tell you from experience that cold water does not have the same effect on women, MeNow. Any number of women might welcome the challenge of a man in a cold shower. I don't know how you could parlay it into a pickup line though. Something to the effect of "Hey, Baby, my shower only has cold water and I am feeling hypothermic. Care to warm me up?"
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Women's extremities have the opposite affect in cold water. How about Hey baby, your girls are poking me, could you stand a little closer?
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No cold showers for me! It's cold enough outside to get that blast of cold in before I go to work. Good luck to the rest of you though! ;D
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MN... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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LAWD have mercy MN!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
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MN, I believe the line you want is "So, did your nipples cut glass today??" That would be a direct quote...don't ask...maybe you shouldn't use that one. ::)
I have to say though, that this thread has been hilarious, considering the nipple related texting that has occurred in my world the last couple of days.
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I'd like to see that!!!
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It certainly would be a nifty trick. ;D It's been pretty cold here, so technically, I suppose it is a legitimate question. ;)
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MeNow.... I'm shocked!!! :o Ok, I'm being disingenuous! lol That is an ODD phenomenon, regarding the reaction of "cold" on men vs. women.
Hey (light bulb moment), this seems to be synonymous with the difference between the sexes!!! Ok... forget it.. without a doubt, men and women are different, but honestly, isn't it our differences that keep life interesting? Dji, was that a nice positive thought?? :
Heading up for my first "cold" shower... It didn't say I have to shower, as in wash my hair and clean myself, did? I mean, isn't it just staying in the cold water for 2 minutes.
I'll be back shortly... PRAY FOR ME, MY FRIENDS!!! :-\
hugs Stayed
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Make sure you don't cut anything.
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Sorry menow....no kisses for you.. At least not from me. Maybe a find the boys challenge soon though.
I'm down for that. Just need some willing volunteers!
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SHRIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!
OMG!! It gave me an ICE CREAM HEAD!!! Thought my head would explode... BUT... I DID IT... I did the entire shower in ice cold water... omg... omg.. still shivering... thank god for hot hair blowers! Thawed out me head.
Ok... I am going to ISSUE... A HEALTH WARNING TO ALL MEN!
That shrinkage could possibly be permanent! I used to have what was called "inverted" nipples. This problem was eliminated (I thought) by breast feeding 5 children over a period of about 11 years. I know, TOO MUCH information...
BUT...that cold shower I just had.... sent them right back to that "inverted" state! (no razor effect for me)!! If it had that effect on my girls, I can't imagine what it might do to you GENTS!
Just saying... ok. Just saying! Proceed with CAUTION!!
Hugs Stayed
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Good job Stayed! Only 29 more days to go!
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oh man... :o Thanks MeNow!
Ok, Started Feb. 20th. last day March 21, is my math right... hehehe?
Feeling good now. Ice cream head went away just as quick as any other ice cream head, heheh! Must say, although not enjoyable... quite invigorating. Feel like I did something kind of special and hopefully good for me.
Sunshine and light to all... Stayed
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You mKe it sound so lovely... Not gonna lie. Totally procrastinating this! My son woke those house up screaming. Refused to discuss anatomical
Issues so I'm still in the dark but half an hour later he reported warming back up except for his toes.
Coldest day of the year. This couldn't be worse timing. The city Schools are closed its apparently unsafe at the bus stop. Us suburban folk are made of thicker skin apparently. Time to test that theory.
Keep singing uptown funk you up to get myself psyched.
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ermergarsh! that was soooo cold.
Bruno Mars rockin in my head -- set my cell phone timer for 5 minutes and plunged in. After a brief yelp, I figured out the trick of putting one body part under the water, soap up , and rinse. However, normal brain function was quickly becoming impaired -- and I definitely felt the ice cream head pain. All I could remember of the song was "uptown funk you up"....so I dash through the shower -- singing that one line over and over again like a mad man. OMG putting your full head and neck under that water is pure hell!!!! I finished up, and stuck my head out to check the time -- 90 seconds had expired!!!
I'm gonna need a new song. For some reason the old "in the jungle the lion sleeps tonight" pops into my head.
That actually works well in this situation....cause no matter where you are in the lyrics, when you step fully under the stream of water, you have to dance, and you have to jump to the "Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh" part with gusto.
Unforutnately, the involuntary sounds coming out of my throat added to the effect, and the entire house, heard me "singing". My family suggested "Wimoweh" sounded more like a cross between a man screaming like a girl, and pig squealing at bacon-making time.
So another three minutes pass very slowly, and I take another peak at the clock -- 30 seconds left -- at this point, I step back into the water, and it really doesn't seem too bad. Madness or euphoria has arrived. I've crossed over to the other side. Everything is numb. I look down and discover that the boys have sucked straight up inside me, but get this, Stayed, my nipples could cut glass! Finally, after what could not have possibly been 30 seconds, my timer sounds, which by the way is "funky chicken" ring tone.
I burst out of the shower, and without touching the towel, I feel immediately much warmer. My skin is bright red. My afore mentioned Beamers are up, and my boys are in the witness protection program. My heart is racing, and I'm breathing like I just ran a 400 m sprint.
It literally took 10 minutes for breathing and heart rate to return to normal. But I instatntly felt warm -- except for my toes -- which are still cold. As a matter of fact, when I walked outside to warm up my car and head to work, it was minus 2 with a 20 mph wind -- the weather man says its a record breaking cold with a windchill of -20 -- and my first thought was -- this aint so bad! So it turns out you really can fight ice with ice.
Only 29 days left.
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However, normal brain function was quickly becoming impaired -- and I definitely felt the ice cream head pain. All I could remember of the song was "uptown funk you up"....so I dash through the shower -- singing that one line over and over again like a mad man. OMG putting your full head and neck under that water is pure hell!!!!
So sorry I missed this challenge...by one day! Rats...it sounds fun! I'll have to wait until March for the "let's bang our heads against a wall until we get dizzy" trial or April's "let's hold our breath until we pass out" challenge. ::) In the meantime, I look forward to the tales of torture on this thread. ;)
XO,
OWL
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OWL -- we're still accepting membership -- I promise not to taunt too much when I'm done and you have one more day left.
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Ok, maybe I will try. I didn't today, though, had the little one in with me and she didn't sign up for this :)
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OWL -- we're still accepting membership -- I promise not to taunt too much when I'm done and you have one more day left.
Thanks for extension, however, I am already involved in a winter challenge and I can't fit this one in right now. It's called "let's shovel snow until we can't feel our arms anymore". It's the gift that keeps on giving. Now that the snow banks are about two feet over my head and I have to lift the shovel and fling the snow like I'm sending it into outer space, today's contest should only take about an hour. If I take my hot shower away at this point, I will have no reason to go on living and may just bury myself and look forward to the hallucinations of hypothermia. ;)
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At least you have muscly arms.
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"All the excuses you tell yourself in the shower before you turn the shower nob to cold are the exact same excuses you tell yourself in your life about why you can't do the things in your life you really want to do. "
"you can tell yourself all those excuses are legitimate, or you can tell your self they don't matter -- you're gonna take a cold shower."
"the thing that keeps you from taking a cold shower isn't the excuses, its learning to be okay with being uncomfortable".
"if you're not willing to be uncomfortable for 5 minutes in the shower where the only negative is you being uncomfortable for 5 minutes, and the only people affected are you, then how will you ever have the strength or the courage to choose to be uncomfortable in the situation where the outcome is far greater, and many more people are affected by your decision."
All the above are quotes from this ted talk --beware -- if you watch this, you might get inspired to join up....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb0h8ZKvJW4
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Wooooohhhh!!!! That's COLD. Ok only 29 more. I got this. Nice to have another positive thing to focus on everyday! Elray, I'm glad your back.
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I did it this morning. I will say the distraction alone was worth it. The cold water forced any sleepiness from me and I was AWAKE!
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I've read it's good for depression as well.
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Yes - this is my kind of challenge - 30 oC here so no pokey/shrinky bits for me :P yessss there is a benefit to living in middle earth heheh
I can have 2 showers a day and do it half the time ::)
Kia kaha - stay strong
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Well, put some ice in that water. Part of the challenge is parts must poke and bits must shrink.
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Hey... what's with this 5 minutes $hit? I thought it was 2 minutes.. I just about died doing that... and now you are saying it is 5 MINUTES... OH man! Does yesterday and today count, I only did 2 minutes... and here I was thinking I only had 28 more days left... drats!
I read your comments to my hubby, we are both laughing out "butts" off! El Ray, this is a GREAT IDEA! I am loving this...
Ok, get back to me with the exact time I'm suppose to stay in the shower... I had ice cream head after 2 minutes.. so 5, I could possibly, maybe have a brain hemorrhage... :) is that possible?
Hugs Stayed
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I read it as 2 minutes the first time. When I saw it change to 5, that's when I said, not me.
Besides it was all I could do to bear the shriek from yesterday. I heard it from here. No telling what kind of noise you'll make after 5.
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stayed,
How long you stand in the shower is up to you. Standing in the shower isn't for your husband or anybody else. it's for you. No matter how you do it, we're here to supportt you.
;D 8) :P
Welcome dj and menow, take the plunge. The second day was not as bad as the first. Not gonna lie. It was still bad. And my son was hysterical! He didn't do a timed shower yesterday. Billy Joel Apple radio really helped me mellow out and get through it.
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All I can say is y'all have fun with that. I thought about it briefly as I was enjoying my "hot as I can stand it" shower last night.....very briefly. Nope I freeze my a$$ off enough lately, not in my shower if I can help it. I will however LOVE reading about your experiences with it for the next 28 days. Gives me great pleasure ;D ;D
Life has been enough of a challenge for me in the past year, I want my shower to be serene.
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Ok, I'm subscribed to Ted Talks.
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Ok El Ray, I'll do 5 from now on... at least I don't have to submerge my whole me at once... even you did it in bits... lol
Oh now, I totally got the point of it. This completely for me, I just the love POSITIVENESS of the whole thing. It makes me laugh. Laughter is what finally got me out of my funk. Who knew but for me, when I was employing the STOP SIGN and SNAPPING that dang elastic (something in me that seems to need pain to get my attention), I found myself talking as I snapped (bet that's a big surprises to you all, fancy, me talking hehehe), anyhoo, I found myself saying stuff like... ok you "silly willy", stop being a "silly Sally", stop obsessing about this, right this moment... or no "wallowing" time for you, you "morbid wally"! For some reason, those silly, childish, names I was calling myself would make me smile. Once I was smiling, I found it difficult to wallow!
So, for tomorrow's shower, ice cold for 5 minutes. 28 days left, hehehe.
Positive thoughts out to you all... hugs Stayed
P.S.- I love your son El Ray.. he's the best... !!! :)
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I have a big smile on my face just thinking about all of you taking your ice cold showers. Wait, does that sound weird? You know what I mean. Anyway, I'm not joining you but I may go out into the cold and sit in my hot tub for a while. ;D
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B u really made me laugh there... Good one! Ok second cold shower, not nearly as bad as the first. I usually take fast showers so now I find myself all clean standing under a stream of water cold enough to take your breath away for 3 minutes just waiting for the time to pass! It made me kinda laugh that my w going ape sht crazy 7 months ago has led me to take freezing cold showers with a bunch of "strangers" on the Internet. Sounds like a bad movie on Lifetime Haha!
I can't lie, yesterday I kinda half a$$ed it by washing up in short spurts then stepping back out of the water. I started that way today then said f it and went all in. I'm learning a few things already... I procrastinate doing uncomfortable things. I am not an "all in" kinda guy until I know what I'm dealing with. When I'm in the gym I always tell myself "u can do anything once". In the freezing cold shower I think "u can do anything for 5 mins". Maybe after 2 weeks I'll switch to cold baths?!? Then again, maybe not. I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow's cold shower, it's invigorating!!
Another simple challenge to those doing the cold showers... Make your bed every morning first thing. I'll post a link to the YouTube video later. Basically the idea is that accomplishing a Simple task early sets the tone for your entire day.
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Dji, you made me laugh with that "make your bed" comment! Doing a simple task early starts your whole day, funny because I have gotten into the habit lately (last 3 or 4 weeks actually) of climbing out of bed and making it, straight away... hehehe... and now here you are saying... MAKE YOUR BED BEFORE you have a cold shower. Now, here I am having COLD SHOWERS!!! Wth? Only to find out, there are suppose to be for 5 minutes... omg... hehehe!
Plus, you are so right, what in the world are we doing... entering a challenge with our new virtual friends and having "cold showers"! The really cool thing, IT IS FUN!!! I've been reading your comments to my h and he is laughing right along with us.
This has brought some fun into my life... and quite honestly, I thought it was pretty good before.
Thanks guys and gals... looking forward to tomorrows cold shower... ok, I lied, but I am looking forward to it being over and writing you all about it and waiting to hear how your showers go.
Hugs Stayed
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I'm laughing along with you friends, but I am not joining! I'd rather run another marathon... ;) Hugs, Gx
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LOL, no way gimlan, our shower is over in 5 minutes. Running a marathon could take hours.
Hugs Stayed
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So my s14 joined my s17 and I in the cold shower brigade at my house this morning. Much gasping and gurgling and grunting ensued but he made it.
I only mention this to properly shame a few of you-- that's right-- 17 and 14 year old children are kicking your tushies. I see you in your hot tubs and hot showers. You're missing all the fun.
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PLUS, think of all the ENERGY you are saving. Your heating bill will be way down this month, thanks to this challenge.
There are those that would call some of these people WIMPS... but not me! hehehe.
hugs Stayed
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Day 3... S U R V I V E D !!! OMG...
27 days left... :)
Hugs Stayed
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Ok, I modified it some. Only rinsed my hair out with the cold water, and only for about 45 seconds. Crazy backwards brain freeze!
Yes, very invigorating!!
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Welcome mrs T
Day three complete. Not much else good to say about it. Bs till waiting for it to get easier.
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In lieu of the cold showers I'd be willing to run a marathon with Gimlan. In fact, last March I ran a half marathon and it was only 25F out and last September I ran another one in the cold rain. That should count for something.
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How long you stand in the shower is up to you. Standing in the shower isn't for your husband or anybody else. it's for you. No matter how you do it, we're here to supportt you.
Elray, hehe. This "stand" pun cracked me up.
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I am so sorry I decided to click on this thread!!!!
I have been sitting here thinking of so many excuses why I shouldn't do this ;D
Even got some really good medical ones like "Maybe I'll have a heart attack"
As I'm typing, I'm STILL coming up with "how to get out of this ideas" I know I have to but I'm cold just thinking about it - BBBBBBBBRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Alright, I'm in. Day I tomorrow. I even procrastinated over this one because I came up with the "I need warm water to wash my hair" excuse ;) ;)
If I die, it will be your fault Elray for watching that TED talk and if I survive and get some great ideas, I will thank you too 8)
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Welcome SV -- day 4 here was better -- mainly because I forgot all about the challenge. Out of habit, I switched the water to hot. And stepped in. I immediately sensed something was wrong.
Then sadly cut over to ice cold.
BTW -- my 17 year old measured, and our house is "blessed" with extremely cold cold water -- temp was measured at 47F.
The other part that made it better -- I stepped in without setting the timer -- so I did my normal routine of dancing around between the rain drops, and probably didn't make a full 5 minutes. Maybe I did -- maybe I didn't. nobody can prove nothing!
Lastly, I wanted to warn y'all. I discovered sabotage today! My W has been setting the shower head to "jet mode" -- not a shower at all -- just three jets on high. This is like getting hit with ICECICLE lasers. It literally cuts through your skin like a light sabre, but without the fun special effect noises. Yesterday, I noticed this, and returned the setting to a normal gentle rain setting. I thought it was a freak accident. This morning, it was back to JETS.
So I realized after a brief conversation that she believes I'm insane and is trying to "break" me for my own good. Pffft! I will soldier on, more determined than ever. But I'm still waiting for it to get easier. And I still can't breathe all the way under -- DJ -- don't know how you're doing it!
BTW -- Savoir Faire -- your brain will trick you into thinking you are going to die -- especially the first day. Survival, the first day, seems at risk. Its just a mind trick...you'll make it. And if you research it, you will find that warm water to wash your hair is apparently wrong -- the research indicates cold or cool water is much better for your hair and skin. So expect glowing skin and glossy flowing locks as an upside.
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Glowing skin and glossy licks are great but I challenge everyone to try and shave one part of themselves with soap and cold water.................
Kia kaha - stay strong
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glossy licks sound like fun. 8)
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LMAO glossy licks huh? :o :-*
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Picton is outed yet again.
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::) bl@@dy nora - spell check has bitten me in the bum again!
Any who - gloss comes in lots of different flavours - might be onto something new :P
Kia kaha - stay strong
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If you're taking requests, I prefer Cherry, or Bubble Gum. :-D
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I cheated this morning, cause we were in a hotel, and had to be at an appointment by 9am and we still had to have breakfast. So I showered quickly, but washed my hair in cold... as quickly as possible. Tomorrow I will resume my full 5 minute and no, it doesn't seem to be getting any easier... :( Dang!!
26 and a half days left... maybe the last day, I'll be able to do 9 minutes to make up for today's shortened cold shower!
Hugs Stayed
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I have nothing terribly positive to say about the last 2 days cold showers except I do feel good when they are done. Only 26 more to go! Hope your all making your beds :)
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Having that cold shower done and out of the way, is a REALLY nice thing, hehehe! As for making my bed... YES siree, every single day, like clockwork, hehehe!
Hugs Stayed
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Well, it's over for today. I'm still cold, takes a while to warm up again.
it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and i had to wash my hair ::)
Only 29 days to go.
Put the timer on and it went off at the five minute mark with me still in the shower. probably stayed about seven minutes, no wonder I'm cold.
The first blast of cold on my skin was the worst but putting water on my head wasn't as bad - no idea why.
It made me feel thinner - maybe all my muscles were shrinking as I stood under the cold ;D
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There's will power, and then there's will power... this temperature-challenged woman can't handle Canadian winter and ice-cold showers. Tried. Turned into little brown ice chip. Took me ages to return to room temperature, like a freezer-burnt turkey. Guess this challenge just isn't happening for me! Gonna substitute a daily exercise challenge. At least that warms one up...
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Don't give up Osb, that's why it's called a challenge.
I really think I will be ready and capable of anything after 30 days.
I am looking forward to the benefits. There have to be some :-\
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I have nothing terribly positive to say about the last 2 days cold showers except I do feel good when they are done. Only 26 more to go! Hope your all making your beds :)
Since when is it also "make your bed?" one nice thing about being alone is I get to have my nice big pillowy nest of bed mess that I like.
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Well, well, well! Survived #5 cold shower! It really wasn't as horrible as shower #1 , 2, 3, 4... still not the way I would choose to shower each day. Not sure I really care how "glowing" it makes my skin, or shiny my hair, not that those sorts of things don't appeal to me, but DANG... there is just something wonderful about a NICE, HOT, SHOWER... to start your day.
Without a doubt, I am warming up quicker. I definitely feel alert, but it doesn't make me super switched on, or particularly optimistic and uber cheerful. I really don't think my days have been happier and more productive... but it has only been 5 days. :)
Still, the company I am keeping, who are all participating, or even just watching, is making it worth my while. I love checking in and seeing how everybody else's "cold shower" was!
25 more days... oh yea!!!
Hugs Stayed
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5 down 25 to go.
Actually rocked out today to red hot chilli peppers and never heard the alarm go off. Getting used to that beautiful RED GLOW my skin has after stepping out. To be frank, I look like an Adonis-- or a red, hairy lobster -- for the first 5 minutes post shower. I had to stop and look in the mirror to admire myself this morning.
And there's definitely a warm after glow now developing post-shower that's quite calming and relaxing rather than the initial couple of days where it was a pure adrenaline hit.
But I got to be honest -- it still is something I dread every morning. I've started making the bed just to dawdle around a bit before jumping in.
I too enjoy the thread here, but its just as much fun telling people as they complain about the -2 temp this morning -- you think that's cold? Pffft!
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elray,
Make the dawdling count, like having to repair the house first before the shower.
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You are right about the warm after glow, rather then the racing heart I had for the first 4 days, hehehe. I too am not at the point where I LOOK FORWARD to jumping in the shower each morning. I tend to "dawdle" as well.
I confess though, to feeling pretty darn good, when it's over. I was really pleased today, I don't have an alarm and have had to return for 2 or 3 more minutes, this time, I got it just right. Seem to have a hair wash and rinsed, body scrum, shave some bits that need it... and bolt out into warm air. I can do it all in 5 minutes and 20 seconds or so... lol
There is a real satisfaction in making yourself do something that really is not ENJOYABLE... hehehe. Knowing that it is good for you. I like that.
How did your sons do today? They are such good sports to join their pops.
Hugs Stayed
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When monday morning came, my S14 dropped out. I didn't hear my S17 whooping today -- but my W said she heard some moans -- not sure if he's adjusting, or skipped. Will have to get the skinny tonight.
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Cold shower losing its luster for me... But im gonna stick with it. Tonight my kids came crashing into the bathroom while I was taking my ice cold shower. They are young and thought it was hilarious that I was yelping in there. They decided to get cups of cold water from the bath tub faucet and dump it on themselves and scream!!! A little messy but was glad they joined in the fun.
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I'll let all you brave souls try out this cold shower theory and let me know. LOL I'll stick with my nice warm showers. I might try some cold showers when the weather gets warmer but I'm freezing all the time anyway. I might turn into a block of ice if I get into a cold shower.
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Second day not shaking so much after. Knew what to expect this time.
Would still rather the warm water. only 28 days to go.
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Day 6.
The afterglow and mental calmness post shower is increasing. While in the shower it is unpleasant and still semi painful. A good song came on (sweet child of min) and I stepped in for total immersion. I had the same primal shriek but it sounded more joyous this time. Kind of like I'm embracing th moment. Finished my shower and checked th time.. 6 and a half minutes.
My s17 skipped yesterday and was back to it today. He said the cold showers def made him more alert at school and he went through the morning groggy and crabby without it. S14 says no way warm showers are great. It helps motivate my son that he has a scuba certification coming up in May. The quarry he will dive will still have ice in April.
Stayed there is a mental satisfaction to this--and DJ just loved the kids cold water battle. Next time grab one and toss them in clothes and all when your done.
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I was seriously thinking of skipping it, but after reading your accounting El Ray, you shamed me into it... hehehe.
Definitely get the after glow... never have had the shriek of agony, hehehe, still don't, or a primal shriek, nope, just not a shrieking type of person, I am thinking. Still get the "ice cream head"... but insist on washing my hair, and rinsing it, no matter what???
I am at day 6, I am beginning to doubt I am going to have that euphoric feeling!!! I'm not going to quit though, the article I read, it took that guy day 10 before he felt that euphoric feeling, that I'm looking for, so maybe... my luck, I will get it on Day 29 or some such thing... uggh...
Definitely a feeling of satisfaction. I love just taking the challenge and doing it, so even if I NEVER get that glorious euphoric feeling, I will always feel really good about doing it...
Your kiddie story is great DJ. I agree with El Ray, toss them in the next time, I bet they will LOVE IT... hehehe...
Anyway day 6 done... hugs Stayed
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Day three and it wasn't as bad as I didn't have to wash my hair as I was going to the salon to have my hair cut and they like you not to wash your hair before going. Phew.....that's a relief.
I do admit to standing out of the water and scrubbing myself before taking the plunge again to wash the soap off.
The big positive is that I am saving water because I can't stand more than about six minutes and sure I was spending way more than that with the lovely warm water. I used to have the warm water blasting on me, now only a dribble of the cold so it doesn't splash on me so much.
I'm happy to have gone this long. i am sure before BD, I would have scoffed at this challenge and refused to participate as my attitude was completely different then ::)
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Yes, I've noticed your full of rolling eyes now.
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What is this now... Day 7... done! Thank Goodness! Today, I found it even more difficult then the other 6 days. I really, really wanted a nice hot shower today... I wanted to cry, as I stepped into that "cold, cold shower"! I'm still feeling "chilly" and I completed it about an hour and half ago, changed the sheets and made the bed, dragged the laundry down to the laundry room, sorted it and have a load in the washing machine and I am still CHILLY!!!
WTH, wasn't it suppose to be wonderful today... euphoria ... even! Dang! Dang! Dang!
Anyway, h has a retirement dinner to attend tonight for a guy from work and I'm going out for supper with one of my girlfriends... so I'm feeling uplifted, but sadly, NOT EUPHORIC!
:) hugs Stayed
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Count me out. I get pissed off when I have to rush because we're running out of hot water because the kids used too much before me. I might try it in July or August but not in the winter here!
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LOL, Stayed!
What you need is a room outside the bathroom that has GREAT BIG heaters and maybe some pre-heated towels.
KEEP GOING GIRLIE!!
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;D ;D I will MiMix... but I'm just so unhappy that I haven't found "euphoria" yet! WTF???
hugs Stayed
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I don't think you reach euphoria by torturing yourself.
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I'm going to refrain from going there MeNow! :)
Hugs Stayed
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Well, euphoria is hard to come by! My euphoria would be stepping into a really nice hot shower!
I feel that I am participating in this challenge in my own way. Stepping out my front door, clearing off and starting my car,each and every morning, is the equivalent of a cold shower these days.
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No euphoria here either. As a matter of fact, the warm cozy feeling is not nearly as pronounced today, although I had technical difficulties today with my timer and I think my shower was a minute short.
Just a reminder for all-- the 30 day challenge doesn't preclude additional warm showers too, right?
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Just a reminder for all-- the 30 day challenge doesn't preclude additional warm showers too, right?
Your kidding me! I have no problem with 2 or more showers in the summer, but goodness, never in my life in the WINTER... omg... WHY didn't I think of that??
I feel that I am participating in this challenge in my own way. Stepping out my front door, clearing off and starting my car,each and every morning, is the equivalent of a cold shower these days.
Definitely that counts MiMix! Tell me, are you getting any EUPHORIA? :)
Hugs Stayed
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I could not bring myself to do cold water today, but I did have to take the dog out before I had the chance to dry my hair and it was so cold that my wet hair froze into icicles after about 2 minutes.
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Oh man... that sucks! Ouch!
Hugs Stayed
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Day 8 wasn't eventful enough to write about. Got my shower, didn't like it. Stepped out, and felt good immediately. Feet don't stay cold so long anymore. Rest of me warms up instantly when I step out. Still hate the cold water on my back, but the rest of my body seems okay now. Didn't have time this morning to reflect on my post -shower vibe.
Speaking of warm up, our weather is starting to thaw out too. Maybe my cold water pipes will get warmer! Here's hoping.
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Any noticeable brown fat activation?
I hate cold showers. I tried it for a time, long before this challenge.That is I washed in warm water, and then would switch it to cold and try to endure it for a minute or two. I quit that nonsense!
When I get cold, I stay cold a long, long time.
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Congratulations for all that go through this challenge!
Lots of determination to be proud of!
For the euphoria, I know you will all achieve it soon: latest on day 31, when you are allowed your first warm shower ;D ;D ;D
Good luck and keep up the challenge!
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I hope the lack of updates don't reflect a collapse in morale. I hit day 11 today. I literally glow red as soon as I step out. JD -- did a little research, and brown fat activation might explain it. Since researching that, I've been focused on standing directly under the shower with the water on my back and shoulders -- that's tough, but I try to hold it for close to a minute.
most of the literature says brown fat activation takes hours of exposure, and while cold baths are effective, a 5 minute cold shower likely will not be.
On another note, my boys have convinced me to take off Wednesday and go to the shore for a polar bear plunge -- they have off school, and we're aiming for a ski trip but the weather man is now forecasting poor ski conditions --55 and rainy -- so we have a new plan -- I hear the ocean temp is a balmy 33 degrees. So now I'm looking at my 48degree shower as "conditioning".
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Not loving the cold showers.
Have accepted them but am looking forward to warm water again. long way to go.
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I have a fever and took warm showers yesterday and today. I'll be back at it as soon as the fever is gone. Not loving it mostly cause it's sooooo f'n cold outside here. Avg temp in February here was 14 with several days well below zero. That's no excuse... As soon as I'm not sick I'll be back in.
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I am sorry to be a party pooper, but I really don't like the cold shower idea. I can't think of any conceivable benefit to it from a medical standpoint.
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It brings clarity in a heartbeat.
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If nothing else it actually GETS the heart beating! I am still doing it. I am hoping that 2 minutes of violent shivering can be counted as accidental exercise.
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I think it counts!
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Day 18 -- cruising past the mid point. Still dread the showers, but feel great afterwards. Instantly warm.
Another thing of interest, I've noticed most of my heat comes from the back between my shoulder blades. Even when I'm sitting in a chilly car without a coat or get on the chilly side somewhere, I can feel that heat kicking in. At times it is so pronounced it feels like an electric car seat heater on this area of my skin. I did a little bit of reading at JD's prompting and learned this is where Brown Fat lives, so maybe it was there all along or perhaps I'm getting some activation in the shower that's turning it on now as needed. IDK.
Either way, this has been a fun experience in doing something small but extremely different. As an aside, we had a couple over for dinner Tuesday night, and I found another cold shower fan -- he even does ice water baths in the summer because cold pipes get too warm for a good effect. According to him, the Brown Fat science shows you must hit the shivering point to get activation and white fat conversion -- he's skinny as a rail, so it must be working for him.
Maybe I should get one of these.
http://coolfatburner.com/
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So many days have passed and the water isn't getting any warmer ::)
I'm not sure I am learning anything about myself or having any ah-ha moments.
I have enough discomfort with my MLCer not to have to shower in cold water to see how tough I am. It's a challenge, so on I go and look forward to warm water again 8)
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Day 26
I can now assure you! A cold water shower is never going to be a pleasant experience. This weekend I shaved my head -- and the cold water is only worse without hair to protect my noggin.
Four days to go -- the end is almost here. I have to admit, my son who rises early still makes me chuckle, as he still wakes the entire house every morning with the shrieks and groans from his shower.
I do admit that the shower wakes me up and leaves me feeling energized each morning. Literally bouncing with energy.
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Day 26
I can now assure you! A cold water shower is never going to be a pleasant experience. This weekend I shaved my head -- and the cold water is only worse without hair to protect my noggin.
Four days to go -- the end is almost here. I have to admit, my son who rises early still makes me chuckle, as he still wakes the entire house every morning with the shrieks and groans from his shower.
I do admit that the shower wakes me up and leaves me feeling energized each morning. Literally bouncing with energy.
Well I am sure you have saved money on OIL.
I wonder how much that is?
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Whatever I saved in oil, I'm giving it back now.
30 DAY CHALLENGE COMPLETED! and back to beautiful warm long showers.