5 Benefits of Wild Swimming
You may be wondering, why on earth would I recommend swimming in a lake when we have a perfectly good, heated pool? Well… wild swimming can have significant health benefits when done in a safe environment. Conveniently, we have a lake just down the road that has recently opened! It's a 15-minute walk along a picturesque rural country lane, or just a few minutes by car.
Here are five reasons why you should try wild swimming:
1. Improves Happiness
Immersing yourself in cold water might initially feel unpleasant. However, your brain releases endorphins during this process, often described as a 'natural high.' Combined with the release of dopamine and serotonin, cold water swimming has been proven to reduce stress and promote mental wellbeing.
2. Improves Sleep
After a wild swim, the cold water stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for repairing the body and promoting relaxation. This can significantly improve your sleep quality, helping you achieve a more restful night's sleep.
3. Increases Circulation
When exposed to cold water, your body responds by sending blood to your organs to maintain core temperature levels. This process makes your heart work harder and enhances blood circulation. Over time, wild swimming can improve your overall cardiovascular health and boost your energy levels.
4. Increases Metabolism
Cold water swimming forces your body to work harder to stay warm, which in turn burns more calories. The colder the water, the more calories you burn, effectively kick-starting your metabolism to keep your core temperature stable. This can improve overall metabolic health.
5. Great for the Skin
Unlike pool swimming, lake swimming means no exposure to chemicals—just natural water! The cold water can help exfoliate your skin, flushing out impurities and leaving your skin smooth and soft. Regular exposure to natural water can also improve skin health over time.
My first wild swimming experience was last Sunday (21st July). We managed 5 laps of the lake and enjoyed the whole experience from start to finish. Having never been before I was a little nervous, but they were so helpful and all the kit you need was provided (at a small additional cost). It was a wonderful way to start a Sunday, the cake and coffee afterwards was an added bonus! I will definitely be going again and as it’s so close, I might make it a regular activity.
There are countless other reasons why cold water swimming can be beneficial for both your physical and mental health. Why not hop over to the Escape to the Lake website and book a session to see for yourself?
We always recommend swimming at a designated venue with appropriate health and safety measures in place.
Other swimming lakes within an hour's drive include Aztec Adventure, Waters Edge Club, and Lenches Lakes.
5 Benefits of Wild Swimming
You may be wondering, why on earth would I recommend swimming in a lake when we have a perfectly good, heated pool? Well… wild swimming can have significant health benefits when done in a safe environment. Conveniently, we have a lake just down the road that has recently opened! It's a 15-minute walk along a picturesque rural country lane, or just a few minutes by car.