Monday 5 July – Friday 09 July

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According to WildSwimming.co.uk there are 8 major benefits of Wild swimming (listed below) – ie the effects of submergence in cold water. From what I can tell, there’s not a lot to dislike. Given that we’re not close enough to the sea for a morning dip, the canals are the perfect alternative.
For me, right now, aside from the listed Benefits, it’s a mental game. To simply reflect upon the so called Rat Race and what we all do for own perceived sense of survival – Money. It’s a pure moment of pondering (pun intended) as the goal is to be in the water, not work, for 9am

As soon as the water covers my body, the rush of adrenaline and cortisol quickly aligns me to the present moment. It’s all part of the fight-or-flight response. Everything is on full alert. While it’s not January, the water is still FRESH. My heart rate naturally therefore surges as I attempt to orientate and harmonise myself in the water. I can still hear my inner voice say ‘stay calm, this all normal’ for this type of morning stress is the good stress. The one we all need more of. More often.

Benefits

1. It boosts your immune system

The effects of cold water on the immune system have been studied widely. Cold water helps to boost the white blood cell count because the body is forced to react to changing conditions. Over time, your body becomes better at activating its defences.

2. It gives you a natural high

Cold water swimming activates endorphins. This chemical is what the brain produces to make us feel good during activities. Cold water swimming is also a form of exercise, and exercise has been proven to treat depression. Cold water swimming brings us close to the pain barrier. Endorphins are released when we’re in pain, to help us cope with it.

3. It improves your circulation

Cold water swimming flushes your veins, arteries, and capillaries. It forces blood to the surface and helps to warm our extremities. Repeated exposure adapts us to the cold.

4. It increases your libido

Cold water was traditionally seen to repress sexual urges. The fact is that it increases libido! A dip in some cold water boosts oestrogen and testosterone production, adding an edge to fertility and libido.

The benefits of increased libido include more confidence, higher self-esteem, and enhanced mood.

5. It burns calories

The heart has to pump faster in cold water and the body must work harder to keep everything warm while swimming. Overall, far more calories are burned during cold water swimming than swimming in warmer conditions. The idea that drinking cold water increases the number of calories you burn may be a myth, but it is a fact that cold water decreases your body temperature so much that the body must act.

6. It reduces stress

Cold water swimming places stress on the body physically and mentally. Many studies have identified the link between cold water and stress reduction. Cold water swimmers become calmer and more relaxed.

7. It is a great way of socialising and making new friends

There is a great sense of community and camaraderie amongst cold water swimmers. There is nothing that brings people together like facing a challenge and sharing the experience as a group.

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