Guest post by Muhammad Zain
Swimming in cold water may seem like the last thing you want to do, but it is becoming more popular due to the multiple health benefits it delivers.
Coldwater wild swimming in lakes, ponds, and rivers has increased tenfold in the last year, with London’s Hampstead Ponds recording a 67 per cent increase in swimmers.
Charles Darwin and Florence Nightingale were proponents of regular cold baths to strengthen the mental constitution and physical state. Coldwater wild swimming in lakes, ponds, and rivers has increased tenfold in the last year.
In addition to being enjoyable and accessible, As per Pain Clinic research Coldwater swimming can help with anxiety, tension, and sadness and strengthen the immune system. It’s also a great chance to see sections of your own country you might not have seen before.
We’ve compiled a list of all the advantages of swimming in cold water, as well as some important safety guidelines.
Benefits
Swimming in cold water has a plethora of health benefits for us. Here are a few compelling reasons to go for it:
Inflammation is reduced
Elite athletes take ice baths to enhance post-performance recovery all around the world. The science is simple: when your body is exposed to low temperatures, it directs blood away from your extremities to preserve your central organs.
The reduced blood supply to your limbs reduces inflammation and speeds up muscle recovery. A refreshing dip can provide all of the advantages of an ice bath.
Immune system enhancement
Although this data isn’t conclusive, many swimmers report having fewer coughs and colds than their non-swimming peers, and there is a theory to back it up.
The stress response induced by cold water immersion is thought to increase white blood cell production, giving your immune system a natural boost.
When you consider the physical and emotional benefits of swimming, it’s reasonable to believe it benefits the immune system.
Radiant skin
Swimming in open water, particularly seawater, may have skin benefits. Magnesium, calcium, and potassium are abundant in saltwater beneficial to the skin. Seawater is a mild antibacterial that may aid in the healing of damaged skin.
It helps you burn more calories
Swimming in cold water requires the heart to beat quicker and the body to work harder to keep everything warm. Overall, you’ll burn a lot more calories than if you swim in hotter water.
Although it is a myth that drinking cold water increases calorie burn, hard water does lower your body temperature to the level where your body has to react. Most cold-water swimmers are elderly, which is no coincidence.
It improves your blood circulation
Swimming in cold water flushes your veins, arteries, and capillaries. It pushes the cold downwards by forcing blood to the surface. It helps to warm our extremities, to put it another way. After continuous exposure to the cold, we develop acclimated to it.
This is especially important for the elderly and disadvantaged. It enables them to adapt better throughout the brutal winters. Seasons become less hazardous to one’s health and more delightful.
Good sleep
If you go out on the water regularly, you’ll notice that your sleep improves. The parasympathetic nervous system, which helps your body rest and repair itself, is stimulated by cold water. This fosters a sense of peace and relaxation, leading to a better night’s sleep.
Boosts your metabolism
Swimming in cold water or bathing in cold water makes your body work harder to stay warm, causing you to burn calories faster. It’s not easy for your body to convert fat storage into energy in cold water.
If you are looking for a way to boost your metabolism, then you may want to consider renting a storage unit in London. By having somewhere to store your extra belongings, you’ll free up more space in your home and make it easier to move around. What’s more, by keeping your home clutter-free, you’ll be able to focus on your health and wellbeing without distractions. So why not give it a try?
Is it possible that swimming in cold water might also benefit our mental health?
Coldwater swimming is excellent for our mental health and is a pleasant and free activity to participate in all year.
Anxiety and Depression
Swimming is an excellent exercise for mindfulness because it allows you to focus on your body’s movement, which can help relieve anxiety and despair. In addition, swimming in cold water causes your body to release even more endorphins, which help you cope with stress.
Stress management
As the body learns to control stress hormones like dopamine, regular cold water swimming can help us cope better with many types of stress. Your body sends a signal to your heart to beat quicker, which allows us to warm up and gain energy.
Swimming is a great way to practice mindfulness
When you submerge yourself in cold water, your neurological system is sent into overdrive. Nerve endings transmit information to your brain about how various complex parts of your body are.
Your brain has a restricted amount of bandwidth, and with the sharp sensation of the cold to focus on, there’s no room for it to think about your to-do list or anything else.
This focus on the present moment is similar to mindfulness exercises, and it provides a pleasant break from the constant churning of our minds.
Confidence and mood
Euphoria can be caused by increased adrenaline caused by being in cold water. This causes endorphins, a hormone that makes us feel happy and even relieves pain. As a result, going for a cold swim or taking a cold bath might boost our mood, confidence, and even libido.
Tips for swimming in Coldwater
- Consult your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or asthma and want to try cold water swimming.
- Avoid going cold water swimming alone; there are several wild swimming clubs in the UK, and you can find one near you online.
- Select a lido or a well-known safe cold-water swimming area with enough depth for a dip. Also, make sure you know how to exit the water before entering.
- If you’re new to outdoor swimming, it’s a good idea to start with a wetsuit and work your way down to just a swimming costume (to feel the health benefits of cold water swimming even more).
- If you’re swimming in chilly water in the middle of winter, waterproof gloves and a silicone swimming cap will keep your hands warm.
- Start softly and gradually increase your intensity, as controlling your breathing might be difficult at first. Allow yourself to acclimatise to the temperature for a few minutes while still touching the ground or clinging to a ladder.
- Don’t linger in the cold water (or a cold bath) for too long; after 15-20 minutes, you may become stiff. There’s no need to stay in for an extended period because you’ll get those mental health benefits in the first 2-to 3 minutes.
- Warm-up correctly – after cold water swimming, your body will continue to chill down for roughly half an hour. Warm yourself with layers of clothing and a hot drink and snack before continuing your day.
Conclusion
Coldwater swimming usually takes place in the winter, although it doesn’t have to. For the international competition, the International Ice Swimming Association, for example, requires that the water be colder than 5 degrees Celsius.
Swimming in cold water has a variety of health benefits. Because of studies on the health advantages of water in general, we know they exist. Many regular cold water swimmers have extended their lives and improved their available quality of life.
Furthermore, you can expect improved overall fitness and all the advantages that come with being a fit and healthy human being. Just remember to combine cold water swimming with a well-balanced diet.
