Free delivery on orders over £80Benefits Of Wild Swimming
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Wild swimming can be an exhilarating way to dust off any stress or worries built up over the past year (I think we all know which year I’m talking about here). Many of us have struggled with our mental and physical well-being during this period, and it’s time for us to try and get back to at least some normality. One of the best ways to do this is to dive into some nice cold open water!
Before you go canon-balling into any old river, it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re in a safe and legitimate spot. I recommend checking out our where can I wild swim blog for further guidance.
Physical Benefits
When it comes to wild swimming, the physical benefits are endless, and with so many easily accessible bodies of water throughout the UK, there’s no reason why you can’t give it a go! (Unless you can’t swim, then in that case maybe head to the local swimming pool for some lessons – it’s never too late to learn!).
Helps With Weight Loss:
Being in a national lockdown and forced to stay home has left many people spending less time outdoors, not getting enough exercise, while others have thrived making sure to make use of the local trails in their daily allotted hour of exercise.
But if you have gained some unwanted pounds during this time, then wild swimming is a great way to help fight them off while having some fun. According to Dr Mark Harper, the cool temperature of the water can help to increase our metabolism. This is key to losing weight, allowing us to burn even more calories.
Fun Fact: It is a popular Russian tradition to break the ice and plunge into the cold water beneath in celebration of the Christian Epiphany. They’ll do this wearing nothing but their swimmers and a pair of goggles in the belief that it is beneficial to their health. Luckily, it doesn’t actually have to be quite so cold to reap the benefits for your metabolism.
Reduces Muscle Pain and Inflammation:
Taking a dip in the local river can be a great form of hydrotherapy after an intense workout and will help to reduce any potential swelling or muscle pain. Soaking in the cold water will have a similar effect as applying a bag of frozen peas to an injury, reducing blood flow and numbing the surrounding area.
Fun fact: Wim Hof, aka “The Ice Man”, is a Dutch extreme athlete who uses cold water therapy as part of the Wim Hof Method, which allows him to recover quickly after intense physical exercise.
Improves Circulation:
As a way of preserving heat, our blood travels away from the skin and towards our organs while we are submerged in cold temperatures. Studies show that the sudden change in temperature tells the heart to pump more blood to our brain and other vital organs, improving our circulation and helping us to easily flush out unwanted toxins.
Mental Benefits
Along with all its physical benefits, there is a whole range of benefits to your mental health too. If you’re like me, and lockdown has had you cooped up staring at the same four walls for over a year, it’s time we get back out there and reconnect with nature, and swimming in the open water will help you do just that!
Can Help Manage Depression & Anxiety:
This past year has seen cases of depression and anxiety go through the roof. Wild swimming is one of the many ways to help you manage it. A study conducted back in 2016 saw a 24-year-old woman diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety become free of her medication after only a year of regular cold-water swimming.
Submerging yourself into water 11-15 degrees regularly can help to build up a mental resilience of the cold water. Eventually this will help us to build more self-esteem and confidence thus reducing anxiety.
Reconnect With Nature:
Getting back into the outdoors has been shown to improve our mental wellbeing. Studies have proven that blue and green spaces such as open water can boost our mood and make us feel so much better! So, heading out to your favourite wild swimming spot whenever you can, might just be the key to feeling more like yourself again.
Plus, the initial shock of the cool water is known to increase the dopamine levels in your body, this is what gives us that feeling of happiness and will leave you with a sense of achievement all day long, even if you only manage to stay in for 10 minutes.
Getting Exercise:
You may be thinking: “well, this surely has to go in the physical benefits list!”. While that is true, doing any form of physical exercise has been proven to do wonders for our mental health. Although heading out for a daily walk can boost your mood, there’s just something great about wild swimming and its calming, peaceful nature. Not only are you getting exercise, but you’re reconnecting with nature, boosting dopamine levels, building confidence and getting involved with a notoriously friendly community. All of this put together is why wild swimming is a brilliantly social sport to get into, not just for physical benefits, but for your mental wellbeing too!
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About the Author:Beth Dean - Outdoor ExpertCamping with her family when she was younger, Beth quickly realised her love for the outdoors. Now, a few years down the line, Beth has developed a passion for all things health and fitness and is out running her favourite routes whenever she can. |
