Researchers challenged 3,000 people to run cold water for 30 seconds at the end of their daily shower. The results? Participants reduced their days off sick by 29 per cent, compared with colleagues – they still experienced illness, but were better able to fight it.

The reseachers involved in the experiment think it ’s because the habit kick-starts our bodies. The duration of the cold shower did not influence the outcome. 

The most reported benefit was an increase in ‘perceived energy‘, compared by some to having caffeine.

The most common adverse reaction was a persistent cold sensation in the body, hands and feet in 13 per cent of the participants. 

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Photograph: iStock