The positive effects of cold water swimming.

[Kkimm]

These are some of the many varied places I go wild swimming, either alone or with a friend.

It has been proven to raise your mood because your body gets accustomed to the shock of cold water and this helps you cope better with psychological stresses. Once you have done it say 5 times over a month or so, getting into the water becomes easier and easier.

When I first developed GAD three years ago for a few months it was the only thing that could relieve my anxiety which gave me all sorts of frightening symptoms such as dizziness, heart thumping, nausea etc. These would disappear completely while in the water, which felt like a miracle. While I was really ill the symptoms would return after a short time, say half an hour, but I always achieved some relief.

It is safer to find a group on line at first so you know where and when it is safe to swim unless you know of a safe beach to swim from.

I find that it is warmer if I wear a T shirt on top with short sleeves. My cycling top does very well for this. I get into the water, slowly getting used to the temperature so as not to shock my body.

I then go in backwards and once in, stay with my shoulders covered swimming around until I am used to the temperature. Soon I feel fully at one with the water and completely warm. There is a huge sense of happiness and freedom and that I am at one with the elements and the beauty of the sky, earth and water surrounding me. My body relaxes so much I feel I am almost absorbed into the wonderful world of sky and water and nothing can touch me. I can sometimes remain feeling this relaxation for the rest of the day. I also always have a sense of achievement from doing it. It is well known to help lift depression. I think it would be very unusual to find someone who wild water swims several days a week continuing to suffer depression for an extended period of time.

It is important not to stay in too long at first, perhaps just 15 minutes or so and build up to longer. Get out once you start to feel the cold and you can gradually increase your exposure over time.

I am lucky to have my beaches and estuaries nearby but the same sensation can be achieved swimming in a city lido or even an indoor unheated pool. The temperature of the water is the critical factor and should be no warmer than the sea on a hot summers day in the UK. Gradually you will be able to tolerate cooler and cooler temperatures and can swim well into the autumn and even the winter. I have not yet achieved that but may try this year.

Kim

[Hidden]

Hi Kim,

I agree! I have the fjord nearby that ìs wonderful to swim in and is so relaxing! All worries just seem to melt away. Although I reserve fjord swimming for the summer only I have met people who do it year round. I wonder how they survive and don't get hypothermia. My landlord has encouraged me to try it before by saying that it's all in the mind, but I don't know.

Your pictures are always gorgeous and enjoyable to see!

[Kkimm in reply to Hidden]

Thanks much Minnie.

I can imagine swimming in a fiord in winter is pretty cold. Do they wear wet suits to do do it?

Kim

[Hidden in reply to Kkimm]

I would imagine so. I've never done it myself. I don't think I'll start.