Health Benefits of Wild Swimming
Outdoor swimming has been championed for it’s physical and mental health benefits by healthcare professionals and regular cold water dippers all over the world. Being in or around water gives us a feeling of calm, serenity and clarity. How can we best harness this power?
There are so many reasons why you should swim, but swimming outdoors, and in a team, AND for a good cause gives you so many extra layers of wellbeing. Let’s break down the benefits of swimming at a 24hr event one by one:
Exercise releases endorphins which makes you feel great - especially when you’re challenging or pushing yourself.
Being in water helps the blood flow to your brain, making you super smart and possibly have superpowers.
Cold water therapy helps the body to respond better to stress, which is linked with depression and anxiety - you can feel it melt away, especially when you get out: phew!
‘Biophilia’ is human’s love of nature - wild swimming helps you get out there into the wilderness.
The colour blue has a calming effect; you're surrounded by lake-blue and sky-blue on a bright day.
Friends. Although swimming is a solo-activity, most swimmers come to the lake to meet others and form strong bonds of camaraderie.
Supporting each other through adversity. Putting on a cold wetsuit in the dark to get in a lake is quite the experience. Having your community cheer you on as you swim your hour gives you all the warm fuzzies of being part of a team.
Raising money for children with disabilities to learn to swim. Swimming so they can swim. Because everyone deserves to learn to swim and fall in love with the water. Nothing can rival the karma points of doing a good deed for those who don’t have equal opportunities.
Being joyful. 24hr team swims have been cited as ‘the Glastonbury of outdoor swimming, with swimming instead of bands’. Dance your socks off, huddle by the firepit by night, worship the sunrise.
Safety in Numbers. Having a safety team around ensures that there's support if anything happens, such as fatigue, cramps, or unexpected changes in weather conditions. Swimmers can also look out for each other, creating a supportive and secure environment, reducing the risks associated with solo swimming. Knowing you’re being looked after leaves you safe to enjoy the stunning surroundings.
So if you'd like to feel these benefits and improve your mental, physical and social health, read more about our 24hr team swims over on www.levelwater.org/24hr.