A shower is a safe space. It’s where you can return at the end of a long, hard day and know that you can come out a new person. It can turn around your mood as quickly as anything. Sometimes, taking a shower is the peak of the pleasure you’ll experience that day. Pretty recently, the hot water in my apartment was out for around 2 weeks, and it was a low point in my mental health. Without the relief of a hot shower, anxiety, and tension can build unfettered, not to mention grime. 

I understand why some folks emphasize the need for cold showers. It can make you feel like you’ve accomplished something at the start of the day, which is a great hump to get over. I’m sure it also has benefits for your immune system, inflammation, and all that good stuff. But I’m sorry, I need my hot showers or else… you won’t like me.