Word of the Day: Redemption - Deliberate present day acts of atonement meant to absolve oneself of the guilt associated with past wrongdoings. Health Cookie #1: Cold showers grant an immediate mood boost, immediate wakefulness, reduced inflammation and muscle soreness, while also improving your blood pressure and strengthening your cardiovascular system. Thirty second freezing shower, three times per week; Definitely the habit of a champion. Cold showers cause many hormetic effects, but perhaps most notable among them is that it provides a surge of BDNF to your brain. Hormetic effects and BDNF will both be the topic for Health Cookie #2.