In Cold Water- 5 Benefits

Last night I watched a TV program that looked at how people can treat depression, pain and other illness without medication. 

One of the patients had been taking anti-depressants for years on end and still didn't feel herself. The doctor advised cold water swimming and once she began to regularly swim her anti-depressant dosage was halved and she said she felt more like herself again. She found it hard to get going and on her first solo swim had a panic attack. The doctor found her a swimming instructor and this really helped her to get into the swimming and be safe during.

So what are the benefits to cold water swimming...

5 Health benefits of cold water swimming:

• Boosts Your Immune System- cold water swims boost your white blood cell count and force your body to react to the changing conditions
• Endorphin Highs- when your body releases endorphins you feel happier and more alert. Cold water swimming does this by being a form of exercise and because your body comes close to the pain barrier which also releases endorphins
• Enhanced Circulation- by exposing yourself to these conditions your body learns to cope with cold and the cold water forces your blood to the surface of your skin to help warm you which increases blood flow
• It's Sexy- cold water has been shown to higher your libido which is often affected by mental illnesses
• Stress Buster- cold water swimming puts physical and mental stress on the swimmer, which is why people can suffer from panic attacks during an open water swim. BUT with regular exposure this fades and you learn to be calm in the water and relaxed

If you would like to try cold water swimming here are a few things to consider:

• consult your doctor first, especially if you have other underlying health issues
• find your local outdoor swimming club, you could visit http://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/home
• never swim alone
• only swim in areas that are safe and legal for you to do so, you can find these cold water spots at http://wildswim.com/
• wear the right gear, internet search for 'outdoor swimming gear' prices range greatly but there's no need to spend a small fortune and some clubs may let you hire
• know your limits and abilities and remember that swimming in a pool is very different to a wild swim

Much love,

Becky xx