Yep.
Cold.
Showers.
Wait- before you get all excited and think I’m a hero and a grade A + frugal warrior: full disclosure- I take cold showers only in the summer+fall, I live in a (very) hot place, and since we have lots of sun and solar panels, I can spoil myself rotten and enjoy about half of the shower using hot water-with no additional cost.
I do not take cold showers in the winter time yet- though this is definitely on my bucket list- so to speak. I wish I were a strong-minded brave hearted enough person to take cold showers in the winter.
But first- let’s address the why would I choose to use cold water in the shower when all I have to do -at summer time- since as I said we have solar panels that use the solar free energy to warm up the water- is let the water run for two minutes in the shower until they warm up?
If you are a frugal and an environmental enthusiast- I believe the answer was right there in the question.
Because I can’t stand to see precious water running with no use for even a few seconds, let alone a minute or 2.
I tried using the bucket system- frankly- carrying that heavy bucket out of the shower and watering outside right after every shower I took- well….not a yay.
But- there 5 (!!!) added benefits to this method, and they are:
#1: the philosophical point of view:
Being an avid believer in stoicism, it was imperative for me to adapt to fairly uneasy conditions- out of my comfort zone, to fully embrace the concept that materialism is not to be relied on, and should not be your goal, on the contrary- and this brings me to #2:
#2: always be prepared:
I don’t mean 10,000 bean cans in the garage, I mean there may be times -for instance, while traveling- that you will have no hot water in the shower.
Right now this is the only example I can think of that isn’t a disaster kind of situation-maybe a limited power cut and you have just finished a long workout – there -I found another one- and a realistic one nonetheless.
Why not let your body get acquainted with the experience in advance?
#3: It is said to be good for your skin:
I believe it has something to do with closing open pores and enhancing blood flow, but I am no expert. I can only tell you that in my experience- here comes #4-
#4: This is really nice- once you get used to it.
I am no masochist I can tell you that and I like it nonetheless.
Sure- it stuns you at first and you feel like swearing (ok- I feel like swearing, you would feel like knitting pink socks for a newly born), but after a few seconds you suddenly find out you are smiling ( ok- I am smiling- you will be swearing).
#5: well yes- the frugal point- can’t avoid it if you wish to retire early.
Water going to waste= money down the drain.
Money down the drain=less money in your savings account.
Less money in your savings account= more time on the job.
Simple as that.
Please don’t tell me “it’s only small money”, and your “comfort is nothing to dismiss” and all that.
#1: there is no such thing as “small money”.
If you didn’t understand it by now- you must be lightyears away from early retirement.
small money has this strange tendency to always add up, and eventually, become big money- and creep up on you by surprise.
Kind of like calories and *”cheat meals” whatever that is.
*(who are you cheating???-it’s you and your body, wake up and be responsible for what you eat, eat whatever-whenever- just don’t think you are cheating anyone- especially not your clever body. )
#2: about your comfort- you are absolutely right- but getting out of your comfort zone- is a great way to expand that zone.
So why not in the winter too?
great question, and as I said- this is a mental barrier I haven’t crossed yet. mind you that I definitely believe this is a mental issue and not a physical one since I believe the body can definitely benefit from cold showers any time and this- as many changes- only take some adaptation.
I am planning on trying this winter, not promising succession- I love a good hot shower in the winter.
I never claimed to be a grade A+ frugal warrior.
enjoy- the cooliflower.
A Wise-ass Vegan 