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The wellbeing of discomfort

Swimming in cold water; when discomfort revitalises, challenges and transforms you.

It’s a new year with new frontiers to be explored: such as those of cold water exposure. Though we tend to cosy up and lean more towards indoor activities in the winter, the wellbeing of discomfort offers us benefits that we’re going to look at today to encourage you to challenge your ability to adapt and discover a unique connection with the present, yourself and the resilience you didn’t know you had.

Swimming in open water, such as lakes, rivers and the ocean, gives you a direct connection with nature, reducing the disconnection felt by many people in their daily lives. Doing this in cold water isn’t just for intrepid souls - it’s an activity that offers physical, mental and emotional benefits, which are backed up by science as well as the experience of those who do it regularly.

 

The physical benefits of swimming in cold water are: 

  • Improved blood circulation: when we expose ourselves to low temperatures, our body is obliged to regulate its temperature, which improves our circulation and strengthens our cardiovascular system as a result.
  • Strengthened immune system: there have been studies into the relationship between cold water exposure and the increased production of white blood cells, which could help improve your immunity against common illnesses. 
  • Faster muscle recovery: the cold reduces swelling and relieves muscle pain.
  • Caloric expenditure: this is increased as the body requires energy to generate heat, which improves your metabolism.
  • Adapting to the cold: with an improved tolerance to the cold, your discomfort is reduced.

 

The emotional benefits you can experience are:

  • Reduced stress and anxiety: being exposed to the cold activates your parasympathetic nervous system, giving you a feeling of calmness and reducing your cortisol levels.
  • Improved mood: the initial shock of the cold water releases endorphins that can reduce depression and mental fatigue.
  • Increased focus and concentration: Cold water stimulates the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter linked to alertness and attention.
  • Resilience boost: facing the discomfort of cold water strengthens your mental capacity to deal with challenges and difficult situations.

 

Facing discomfort revitalises, challenges and transforms us. But we should also prepare sufficiently for the adventure we choose to embark upon, whether it’s gradual water immersion or using the appropriate equipment. Accessories are our allies, so prepare yourself and take it as a new year’s resolution - enjoy pushing your limits and discover a new version of yourself. 

 

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