Well, it feels damn good afterwards. Anecdata: The past three years I take a 30-180sec cold shower ~every morning to fully wake up (often my only shower, no so

Well, it feels damn good afterwards. Anecdata: The past three years I take a 30-180sec cold shower ~every morning to fully wake up (often my only shower, no soap to keep my skin oils, unless I get dirty). If I have to pick, I'll go with the cold shower rather than a twenty-minute walk unless I'm really feeling jittery-unexercised. I don't drink coffee anymore except a half cup now and then because it's such a treat (same with beer; a sip from my wife's pint is enough, if/when she'll share). Back to the article: that dose of cortisol and norephinephrine, and endorphin and dopamine, feels like it reduces my cortisol levels throughout the day, and now the weeks, months, and years- I'll take chronic reduction in stress and depression in exchange for momentary, thrilling discomfort every morning.