14 reasons to start wild swimming

In recent years, wild swimming has experienced a significant increase in its popularity, and there's a solid reason for this...actually we found 14! It's not just about a cool swim; it provides a variety of advantages for both the body and mind, going well beyond the excitement of chilly waters. Whether your goal is to improve your health, lower stress levels, or simply feel closer to nature, wild swimming can be an immensely satisfying activity. In this article, we'll jump into 14 reasons to embrace the wild swimming scene. Are you ready to dive in? Let's begin!

1. blue mind theory

​The blue mind theory was created by marine biologist Dr Wallace Nichols, his book on this theory explains the links found between us, blue water and happiness. The theory on using natural blue water to improve physical and mental health in a calming mindful way. Wild swimming is a way to practice the blue mind theory and gain strength within the body and mind.

2. harness natural engery

The shock of swimming in cold water can trigger a rush of dopamine and adrenaline, dopamine is a molecule in the brain that when released gives us a feeling of pleasure and a natural energy boost, adrenalin is a hormone that has similar effects and can stimulate the initial release of dopamine, which can be boosted up to 500% whilst cold water swimming.

3. clear toxins

Being immersed in cold water causes blood to rush to the bodies organs as a way of keeping core temperature in vital areas high, this stimulates the lymphatic system and the increased blood flow aids with removing toxins from the body.

4. burn body fat

Brown fat cells are the kind of fat that keeps you warm when you get cold, the bonus here is these fat cells are the first to be used as energy when the body is exposed to cold temperatures. This metabolism boost aids in burning fat!

5. relieve chronic pain

Studies have shown that cold water therapy can help reduce chronic pain and inflammation. Cold water can slow the transfer of pain through the peripheral nerves, this dulls the intensity of pain, essentially numbing the nerve endings is what reduces pain.

6. immune system boost

Strengthen your immune system by being out in the wild. Swimming in natural water and breathing fresh clean air is good for the body, as mentioned above boosting the body's good hormones and removing toxins from the blood will lead to a stronger immune system.

7. practice mindfulness

There is only one thing you can think about when the initial shock from cold water hits your skin, which is how cold the water is and the intense sensation it has on your whole body, learn to embrace this feeling and practice mindfulness to reap the rewards of cold water swimming.

8. revitalise your skin

skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis symptoms can be relieved by wild swimming in cold waters, cold water will close pores stopping bacteria from getting into the skin, again the increased blood flow has its advantages here by flushing out toxins which help overall skin health.

9. sleep like a baby

Regular cold-water swimming has been proven to improve sleep and can often lead to deeper sleep, cold water will stimulate the nervous system leading to better rest and repair with the physicality of swimming and exercise also benefiting sleep patterns.

10. relieve everyday stress

Relieve everyday stress by boosting those happy hormones and giving your body a shock of cold-water therapy, the calmness of nature and exploring out in the wild can bring a sense of peace and being more grounded, stress and anxiety can be reduced with regular wild swimming.

11. improve mental health

Mental health is a real issue that needs to be treated, one way to help cope with mental health issues is to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the benefits of wild swimming. In addition to the dopamine hit, swimming in really cold water will lead to a boost in happiness, natural energy and mental sharpness. What great reasons to start wild swimming!

12. make new friends

Use wild swimming as a way to make new friends and connect with like-minded people, if you are struggling with areas of your life like mental health issues or stress-related problems, we urge you to get involved with your local group of wild swimmers or reach out to someone in your area who has knowledge of all the good spots to try wild swimming.

13. connect with nature

A great reason to start wild swimming is to reconnect with yourself and embrace nature. An intense cold-water shock will boost your alertness, your mood and strengthen your connection with nature. Wild swimmers often refer to a new sense of mindfulness after regular trips into the wild waters.

14. personal growth

Start your personal growth journey with a splash of cold water, dive into a healthier you, and grow as a person with the help of wild swimming and the wild swimming community. As you challenge your body and mind in nature's waters, you'll build resilience, boost your mental well-being

Are you a wild swimming beginner? Check out these wild swimming spots