Looking after your Mental Health ~ Summer

 

Oh how we have waited for the warmer water and sun on our back!  There really is no better stress buster than a swim and an open water swim has the added benefit of being able to soak up the great outdoors.

 

Getting outside and spending time in nature has been found to help with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Research into ecotherapy (a type of formal treatment which involves doing activities outside in nature) has shown it can help with mild to moderate depression. This may be due to a combination of having social contact and being in nature combined with physical activity.

In the pool I find I can switch off and focus on my breath and the feel of the water, as thoughts come to mind I refocus.  In open water the added benefit of nature makes the experience a totally joyous occasion and each swim allows me to simply soak up strength to re energise and let go of  day to day stresses.  Noticing the feel of the sun on your back, the splash of raindrops, the tingling on your skin of cold water, the ability to float and just be. This being in the present moment is known as mindfulness; ‘paying attention, on purpose and non judgementally to the unfolding experience moment by moment’ Jon Kabatt Zinn.  This allows you to reconnect with your body, thoughts and feelings as they happen and this can help you improve your mental well being  and understand oneself a little better.

 

You can of course practice mindfulness without adding water but I find I connect so much better with.  Why don’t you give it a go!   We advise swimming in a group for safety purposes and always maintain an awareness for your own safety, why not join us at a Community Swim or join us on a wellness session.

Mindfulness tip: While in water, try focusing on the feeling of your body moving or if bobbing how you feel in the water, you might notice the breeze against your skin, the feeling of cold water on different areas of your body, the feel of the sun or the rain on your skin, the smell of the sea or nearby grass, the noise of the waves etc.

 

Keep a record of what you notice when you get out. Take photos (we love photos!).  It’s a great reminder of how you felt.

©Solent Swim School 2022