neil in gemini space

cold water swimming whys - 2022-04-23

i started cold water swimming to find out if the suggested mentel benefits might assist me reduce stress during difficult stressfull times. i had started experimenting with cold showers, then this article sparked my interest:

2018-09-13 - Could cold water swimming help treat depression?

that was when i thought that Guernsey Autumn sea temperatures were cold and that jeans were a suitable clothing post swim lol.

fortunately i found this site about the same time; good advice, and humour:

2022-04-20 - The World's Best Guide to Cold & Open Water Swimming.

my experience

pros

- stress - helpful, subtle. doing the swimming is taking control, that is helpful.

- swimmers high: some of this.

- cold adaption: definitely! i do not now have a noticeable drop in heart-rate drop, or a gasping reflex when i go cold water swimming. i keep an eye on time in the water so that i don't stay in too long.

- skin condition: definitely! feels fresh and alive for hours afterwards.

- inflammation and injury repair: definitely! noticeable reduction an aches from activity strains. i try and run, clif-walk, whatever, before the swim to benefit.

- immune system: yes; few colds, chills, illnesses, C, etc. vitamin D may be a factor here; outside more = more sunshine = more vitamin D.

- social relations: friendly chats with other swimmers, and incredulous bystanders:-)

- nature watching: i get to see the changes in sea life throughout the year, and the changes in underwater terrain.

cons

- after-drop: very real! shivering other hypothermia symptoms get worse before these get better. it usually takes me a couple of hours to get properly warm and de-layer my clothing.

- need to be aware of time in the water. i have on a few swims stayed in too a bit too long. i was assisted by a medically trained fellow swimmer after one swim because i did a stupid thing and swam for way to long: loss of co-ordination, speech really difficult, pronounced shivering, etc (mild hypothermia).

- wind: hate windy days; harder to dry and get dressed, cools me quicker.

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