Why wild swimming is so good for you & how to get involved
I've been leaping in cold water since I was old enough to float.
It started in the choppy cold waters of Westward Ho during crisp winter days strolling along the North Devon beach with my folks, brother and dog. Mum would let us run into the sea or play in the huge natural pools that occur across the bay, splashing around, diving under the white water and screaming as we ran in and out fully clothed, as passers-by watched on with quizzical expressions at the madness before them.
We'd get back to the car and be wrapped in lots of blankets to head home and be thrown in a bathtub full of warm water and bubbles to heat us back up, before being wrapped in snuggly dressing gowns for supper in front of the fire...
Those carefree childhood days have gone, but I can still be found 'dooking' (as the Scots call it) in bodies of cold water all year around (generally not fully clothed), and as I've become older, I've realised how beneficial it actually is.
The cold water exposure craze became massive since good ol' Wim Hof appeared on our screens sitting crossed-legged in a pair of skimpy shorts in the snow, looking like some deranged hippy who had lost his mind. Yet the mass of scientific research backs up his statements of how good cold water exposure is for you, both physically and mentally.
Whether you indulge in a cold shower, ice bath or the more pleasurable and active pursuit of wild swimming there's definitely something in the water that can impact us in a positive way.
As someone who suffers with severe anxiety and depression, as well as acute pain from long term injuries and complications, I started to take my wild swimming a little more seriously to see whether it could help me with some of my symptoms and help my mental health. I quickly found that even a quick dook if I was feeling low could elevate my mood immediately.
Although the thought of climbing into blooming cold water seems crazy, and sometimes totally not what one fancies when the wind is wailing, and you've left a warm cosy van to hike to a freezing river, lake, pond, choppy sea; once you are in and floated around for a bit, and got over the initial shock, you start to get a lovely fuzzy feeling (no not frostbite!), your breathing settles, your pulse slows, your stress just melts away. You become aware of how the water makes you feel weightless, you focus in on the scenery around you, the birds flying overhead, the smells of the countryside enveloping you. Your senses are filled with nature and your mind settles; those aches and pains seem less intense, the swelling in your limbs reduces, time stands still. You get out the water, enjoying the tingling sensation across your body, you dry off and climb into super warm and cuddly clothes, you enjoy a hot chocolate or coffee (possibly laced with Baileys!) and you sit looking at the water just continuing that mindful period of reflection, appreciation and peace that you found in the water.
If you're worried or intimidated about going alone there are lots of other non crazy cold water advocates about, just Google Wild Swimming or look on social media to find your tribe. Look at joining a local group (check out the amazing Bluetits scattered across the UK), sign up for a cold water and breathwork experience, or find a willing chum to visit your local body of water. Whatever you choose just go give it a go. You don't even need to be a strong swimmer, you just need to find a safe pool of water, lower yourself in slowly, enjoy that lovely fuzzy feeling and get those endorphins pumping.
My 8 top tips for wild swimming
Go with a chum or group
Check the water quality and for hazards before entering
Go slowly - a minute or two to start with is fine
If you start to get intense pain in your extremities or start to feel warm - get out!
Ensure you have warm kit and food for afterwards, even if you don't think it's a cold day, dress warm
Be aware of Cold Water Shock - if you are struggling to breath or your chest feels tight, get out, get warm and if symptoms continues seek medical help
There are no rules - wear gloves, water shoes, a bobble hat, even a wetsuit if you want
HAVE FUN
Want to find out about some of my favourite spots to dip in Devon? Check these blogs out:
For more Wild Swimming locations across the UK and top tips, drop me a line.
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