Cold water swimming!
Oh man, cold water swimming has become a daily ritual for me. Currently I am on day 131/365. Sometimes I go in for a minute, sometimes I go in for a half hour. I started this practice during the pandemic and would go swimming when I felt my anxiety getting out of hand, if I needed a reset or reconnect to nature during the day.
Cold water swimming is beneficial for mental health and physical health. I have noticed positive affects and I get cold less… so that’s a big bonus.
This week I participated in my weekly meditation in the water, which forced me to go in the water for at least 10 min three times this week. I find that I meditate in some for or another every time I go into the water because I have to to get through it! I use breath control heavily during these times to ground me and keep my brain still to cope with the shock of the cold water.
It is also helpful to meditate a little before entering the water. This helps to get into the right state of mind before the shock of the cold water. Specific breath work during this time can also increase oxygen content in the blood and help with staying warm as well as center the mind. This practice is all about headspace. I can swim in 8C water for half an hour if I’m in the right headspace for it, the water simply doesn’t feel that cold.
Now I should say that if you plan on trying cold water swimming, go slow! Start with a minute or two and work up to longer immersion OR have a cold shower, you’ll receive the same benefits in a safe environment.
