Cold water therapy ❤️🏊‍♀️🧜‍♀️

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Six ways wild swimming can benefit mental health

There is a growing amount of evidence to suggest that cold water swimming can help to improve mental wellbeing. We outline 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.

Do you feel inspired?

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