Some call it Cold water Swimming, others Wild Swimming. Whatever you call it – it really doesn’t
matter. I just think of it as swimming in nature in coldwater, and what’s not to like about that!
I love to exercise and getting outdoors for me is a must every day. Whether it is walking my dog, running, cycling, or swimming. I don’t feel my best unless I have done some form of exercise.
Building this self-care into one’s life can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle. However, when you start doing it and make it part of your daily routine – it becomes like brushing your teeth. it doesn’t feel right if you miss it!
Getting into swimming outside has been great for me. I have always swam in a pool and also in the sea at any opportunity. But discovering all the places I can swim locally in rivers and lakes has been such a great descovery.
It is definitely having an effect on my circulation which I have suffered a bit with for years. Always feeling cold, suffering from cold extremities, also a bit of Reinards at times in my fingers. However, now I am exposing myself to cold water on a regular basis. I have noticed a change, and my tollerence levels have definitely gone up.
Cold showers?
I’m also finding that I can now finish my showers with a few minutes’ blast, of cold water, which now I actually look forward to! It is so invigorating. You cannot feel glum after that, I can tell you. The endorphins race around one’s system at a great rate of knots!
There has been so much press about the benefits of cold water on our mental and physical health. And I haven’t met any swimmers on the beach, at lakes or in rivers that haven’t had a big smile on their face, even in winter! So that confirms it for me. That combination of being outside, in nature, in the elements, seeing the change in seasons, raising your heart rate, is a combination that I promote highly.
So what are the talked about benefits of swimming in cold water?
- Improves circulation
- Increases production of endorphines/natural high
- Reduces pain
- Boosts the immune System
- Reduces stress
- Reduce depression
- Increased labido
- Great way to meet new friends
Now of course with any sport there are risks, and appropriate safety measures should always be adhered to. And there are many website that will walk you through good preparation considerations.
Here are a few that should be considered:
- Safety – never swim alone. Always have a buddy or two so that if you do need help, you have it close to hand.
- Acclimatise – work your way up to spending time in cold water. See www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com they have great advice.
- Wear the right kit – some people like to swim in skins, and some in wetsuits. Wetsuits can mean that you can stay in for a little longer and some also wear them as they are not keen on feeling weeds etc brush against them.
- Don’t be matcho – start off sensibly. Obviously you will have researched what is a sensible time to be in the water beforehand. A general rule of thumb is 1 minute in for every 1 degree of temperature of water.
Lovely river swimming