Greenery and trees around a lake or pond

Benefits of Wild Swimming

Date

Jul 29, 2022

Well they call it Wild Swimming, but for me it’s a case of bobbing about in cold water with a little bit of swimming involved. 

After a gruelling few months trying to find a suitable wet suit for a lady with significant curves (oh believe me there was NO dignity involved in that process) I let the lovely assistant in a sports shop spend 30 minutes just getting me into one.  Tired of searching and feeling slightly guilty about the amount of effort she had to put in, I bought it!

First stage completed towards my goal of swimming in Lake Windermere. Along with a few other essentials for open water swimming, off I went feeling rather pleased with myself.  Into the vast area of open water…. Bliss.  I found the wetsuit gave me extra buoyancy and all was good…  But not quite what I was expecting.  So next time I went in the lake I went in just a swimming costume!  It was FABULOUS.  A completely different experience.  There was something about the contact of the water on your skin whilst feeling the sun on your face surrounded by nature and calmness.  In that moment I fully understood why people love it and I was hooked. 

The water was invigorating, but not freezing cold uncomfortable.  Just the feeling you have when first climb into the local swimming pool. Your body adjusts and gets used to it.  I felt rather pleased that I was hard core cozzy wearing whilst a few chaps in the lake were wetsuited up in the middle of August, that is it until a ‘friend’ pointed out that studies have revealed that hormonal women of a certain age carry more weight which keeps them insulated!! Did we really need a study dedicated to what everyone already knows??!! But I’m sticking with the fact that I must just be hard core brave. The benefits are amazing! As well as the anti-inflammatory benefits (especially beneficial after a long walk), the benefits for the mind and soul were amazing! You need to focus on where you are and what you are doing and let your mind rest. Perfect calm…….

So feeling slightly guilty after all that effort in finding a wet suit I pledged to head into the lake on New Year's Day!!   I managed it. Not quite the same experience as in summer (oh my goodness Wim Hoff would have struggled (google him)) but the feeling of exhilaration once it was done made it worthwhile (as you can tell by my beaming face).

Whether you are training for the Great North Swim, want the exercise or are like myself and just want to bob around a bit in natures own therapeutic healing pool, have a go, you’ll not regret it. You’ll find lots of groups local to you on the internet, Facebook, Insta, etc who will also give you all the information you need to keep safe.  Give it a go – your mind, body and soul will love you for it.

Disclaimer: This article has been designed for entertainment and informational purposes; it is not personalised medical advice. This guide may be a useful read to generate some ideas, however, please take advice from a medical professional.

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