15 Reasons Why Cold Water Swimming is so good for you!
Seaburn Beach, Sunderland - Wild Sea Women Group
I started my cold water exposure adventures in January of 2020 and I have not looked back. As an Energy Specialist I have an insatiable curiosity to learn about how we can harness the power of our energy. After experiencing the amazing effects of sea swimming, I began researching all of the many benefits from our biological and neurological health to how it can help with how we think and feel emotionally.
I grew up by the coast. Funny how you can take something for granted that is right on your doorstep. I moved away for University and spent years living in various inland places. Fast forward a few years and I found myself back in the North East coast and found myself falling in love with the sea. After partaking in the famous Seaburn Boxing Day Dip for Charity - I decided to take up sea swimming on a regular basis. Not only have I experienced many of the benefits listed below, but it has also helped me through some personally challenging times.
Sea swimming and cold water exposure offer a range of physical and mental health benefits including:
1. Cardiovascular Health: Open water swimming provides an excellent cardiovascular workout. The resistance of the water engages various muscle groups, promoting heart health and circulation.
2. Boosted Metabolism: Cold water immersion during open water swimming can temporarily increase metabolic rate, potentially aiding weight management.
3. Enhanced Lung Capacity: Swimming requires controlled breathing, which can improve lung capacity and respiratory function.
4. Joint Health: The buoyancy of water reduces the impact on joints, making open water swimming a low-impact exercise that is gentler on the body.
5. Stress Relief: Immersing yourself in water and focusing on your strokes can be meditative, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Cold water exposure triggers the release of endorphins, promoting feelings of happiness and reduced stress.
6. Improved Mood and Mental Health: Cold water exposure triggers the release of endorphins, promoting feelings of happiness and reduced stress.
7. Connection with Nature: Being in the sea or a natural body of water allows you to connect with nature, from walking on the sand to immersing yourself in the water and natural surroundings - all providing a sense of grounding and tranquility.
8. Skin Health: Seawater is rich in minerals like magnesium and potassium, which can benefit skin health and potentially alleviate conditions like psoriasis.
9. Boosted Immune System: Cold water exposure can stimulate the immune system, leading to increased production of immune cells and enhanced overall immunity.
Me caught in a wave - made it into an Instagram post about navigating the waves of life! (See what I did there?!)
Learning to swim in the waves is a great analogy for navigating the waves of life. There are high times and low times. In times of challenge it can feel as though you’re drowning under the pressure, unable to breathe. Regularly exposing your body to cold water teaches your whole system that you can overcome challenges and become more resillient as a result.
10. Increased Circulation: Cold water immersion causes blood vessels to constrict and then dilate upon exiting the water, promoting better blood circulation.
11. Reduced Inflammation: Cold exposure may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, potentially aiding in recovery after exercise or injury.
12. Enhanced Resilience: Facing and adapting to cold temperatures can build mental and physical resilience, as well as a sense of accomplishment.
13. Calorie Burning: The body expends energy to maintain its core temperature in cold water, leading to increased calorie burning.
14. Cognitive Benefits: Cold water exposure may improve focus, alertness, and cognitive function due to increased blood flow to the brain.
15. Hormonal Balance: Cold water exposure can have positive effects on hormone regulation, potentially contributing to better sleep and mood stability.
16. Community & Connection: We’ve seen communities form and flourish since the lockdown - seeing people gather together to enjoy this free and healthy hobby. For me personally I have loved meeting new people, spending quality time with friends, laughing and whooping in the waves! There really isn’t anything better! But don’t take my word for it - why not find a local swimming group near you?
Cold water exposure can have positive effects on hormone regulation, potentially contributing to better sleep and mood stability.
picture taken at Cullercoats Bay
Safety First!
It's important to note that sea swimming and cold water exposure should be approached safely and gradually. If you're new to these activities, consider starting with shorter durations and gradually building up your tolerance. Always prioritise safety, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions.
