The Thrill of the Chill

People swim in open water for many many reasons but one thing we have noticed over the years is the tingling thrill of being in cold water that can leave you re-energised, raring to go all day and eagerly waiting your next dip!

Of course, we must mention the risks that come with cold water immersion and urge anyone new to the activitiy to research and ensure they are fully aware of the dangers such as the deadly cold water shock which can occur in the first few minutes .  Swim failure and hypothermia as well as post swim collapse which can be caused by reheating too quickly.  Please get advice if you have a medical condition and take some time to check  out the dangers so you are fully aware and prepared, or join us on one of our Introduction to Open Water Courses.  We would also advice not swimming alone…always think safety first!

Now lets look on the bright side!

The benefits of cold water swimming are numerous to both your physical and mental health but lets just consider our mental health.  We’ve all experienced things over the past 18 months that may have impacted on our mental wellbeing. Perhaps you have been cooped up in a home office with little social contact with others, isolated from family and friends, unable to get to the gym or pool and of course hearing daily of the sadness that Covid has brought to so many families even if it hasn’t touched your own?  For many it has enabled them to know themselves a little bit better by stripping back from the normal routines and stresses and often this can be a catalyst for positive change.

Its is no wonder that the open water or wild swimming has experienced a surge in popularity as people seek the benefits it offers:

It gives you a natural high.  Cold water activates the release of endorphins, this also occurs when you exercise which is one of the reasons exercise is beneficial in the treatment of depression.  If you already swim in cold water you will know that when its very cold it almost feels painful while adjusting to the temperature and this also encourages the release of endorphins. As the lethargy  and mundane of your day floats away you are left with an incredible sense of achievement and natural high…There is the thrill of the chill right there! 

Photo by Isaac Burke on Unsplash

It reduces stress.  Whilst cold water places incredible stress on your body, your heart pumps faster and you respirations increase as your body works hard to keep your vital organs warm, it does  reduce mental stress. We are all surviving in a hectic world and the peace that the cold water environment can bring is just immense. Many studies have found evidence of a link between cold water and stress reduction.  In addition to the water temperature there is also the social element of the open water community, being in the Great Outdoors  and switching off from your worries and being in the moment.  Swimming involves breath work and rhythm, both induce a sense of calm and control. Breath and mindfulness have both been found to help with the management of anxiety and depression. Letting go of your worries to the water will leave you ready to face what awaits on dry land with a clear mind and renewed energy.

Photo by Tsunami Green on Unsplash

Improved Self Esteem. Once you have dipped your toe in on your first ever swim you should feel an immense sense of pride.  It's no mean feat taking the plunge into the cold water world, so be proud! Soak up the  experience and build on this with every subsequent swim you do.  It doesn’t matter if your goal is for a few minutes or to compete in an event. We all have individual goals, it could be a brief dip or a channel swim, all are worthy journeys so don’t ever feel yours is lesser than others. The rewards will be the same and your self esteem will be soaring to a new level.

Now if you have been reading this and thinking you would like to experience the Thrill of the Chill, then please...send us a message and we will be happy to support you at our Free Monday Community Swim or even with a coaching session.

Email: SolentSwimSchool@outlook.com

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