Water is the new Therapy
“In any given moment we have two options: To step forward into growth or to step back into safety”
- Abraham Maslow
The use of water as a form of therapy may seem like a strange idea when you first think about it. When thinking about swimming in anything other than a indoor pool, for some, may seem like an impossible concept. As a thought, it sounds quite appealing and easy… however when the time comes for you to take the dip, it can suddenly become quite daunting. It is at this point your mental strength can become tested. Do you have what it takes to fight the voices inside you? To step forward into growth or to step back into safety?
Unlike the local swimming pool, going out into the open water gives a real sense of adventure and freedom, it’s a unique experience. With no floor or sides to rely on, open water swimming is more challenging and therefore much more rewarding. The natural backdrops of open water swims make them all the more breath taking. Swimming in the cold water is so energising and invigorating; it’s as though nature is physically refuelling your body!
Whilst scientific research is in the early stages, there is still plenty of evidence to show how going for a cold water swim can help us lead healthier and happier lives. In this blog, we outline why open water swimming could be good for you and how it could help to improve your mental health. There is a growing amount of evidence to suggest that cold water swimming can help to improve mental wellbeing. We’ve outlined some of the benefits below.
It boosts dopamine levels – Immersing the body in cold water boosts dopamine levels and increases the release of endorphins.
Ecotherapy – Being outdoors and connecting with nature has a proven, positive impact on mental wellbeing. Research shows that heading out into green and/ or blue spaces can help make us feel better. This also helps to combat the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Mindfulness – Sometimes it can be difficult to bring ourselves into the present moment, especially when suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental health conditions. The feeling of cold water, combined with being outside in nature, helps us to experience a connection between body and mind. This can help to bring us into the present moment.
Community – The wild swimming community is notoriously friendly. By joining a local group or beginning to swim with people you already know, we can build on new and existing friendships.
Exercise – Keeping fit and healthy can have a huge positive impact on both our physical and mental health. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise and can help lower blood pressure, increase immunity and is considered a low-impact exercise making it more joint friendly.
Reducing symptoms of anxiety – Overcoming the resistance to entering cold water can help us to build mental resilience. Over time this helps us to become more confident and boost self esteem.
From personal experience, I can tell you that taking this opportunity for growth will not end in disappointment. Never have I done something so mentally healing. Floating in the water, I allowed it to carry the weight I was letting burden my shoulders. The sense of relief and release cannot be explained, only felt. Putting myself in a ‘growth moment’, I was able to overcome any fear I had of the ‘what ifs?’. I tested my strengths, allowed myself to be vulnerable and made myself stronger. Never have I felt an internal glow so strong. After every session, I come away beaming. There’s no feeling like completing a long open water swim and actually seeing the distance you’ve accomplished. This sense of achievement can sometimes be lost in pools where lap counting is the only option for long distance swimming. But when you can physically see your achievement, the emotional reward is all the more fulfilling.
So take the risk. Allow yourself to grow. Let the process of bettering yourself become your new addiction.
*Post Disclaimer: I practice open water swimming in a proper outdoor facility that is lifeguarded. Please do not just be jumping into open water without any proper health + safety knowledge prior.
G x