Mental Health Benefits of Swimming

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Mindfulness through Swimming

As adults with a lot of responsibilities, we are asked to carry so many heavy things in life. I would like to help you lessen the load. Mindfulness has numerous benefits for releasing stress, calming anxiety, better sleep, and improving our mood, which all aid in recovering from burnout and compassion fatigue. Although I often share about how creativity as a tool for well-being and a vehicle to experience mindfulness, today I’ll add another way to access mindfulness, which is being in or near water.

Although I’ve personally experienced the relaxation and mental health benefits of swimming for many years, I recently learned that scientists have been studying this on a macro level.  Many studies have shown that in addition to the exercise benefits of swimming, it can also can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, increase your body’s “feel-good” natural substances like endorphins and dopamine, and improve your overall well-being. Being in or near water helps us enter a mindful state.

“Blue Mind”

In a book I’m reading called Blue Mind: The Suprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do, author Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, shares that “blue mind” is a term scientists are using to describe the mindful state that you can access through being in or near water. Our world often tempts us to stay long periods of time in the “red mind” of time-sensitive tasks, fight or flight survival mode, and triggers. Spending time in the blue mind helps combat that and rescue our brain from heading towards burnout. He characterized the burnout state as a “grey mind”, which contains the defense mechanism of numbness and emotional suppression.

What if I can’t swim?

I realize that some of you or those you know may be missing out on these benefits because you have not learned how to swim yet.  Perhaps your access to a pool growing up was limited or prohibited, not a priority, or perhaps you experienced something traumatic as it related to water that has deterred you since then. 

First, as Dr. Wallace points out in his teachings, even just looking at the water, whether being on the shore or even just viewing beautiful water images is a good way to begin accessing this “blue mind” state. Today, even if you don’t have access to a pool or cannot swim, go ahead and gaze at this water image or another photo you have for a moment. Or try listening to ocean sounds while you close your eyes for a couple of minutes to have a dose of the “blue mind”. Another idea is one we did together in the “Hats Off for Helpers” Healing Arts Membership recently, where you could try cutting out images of beautiful water scenes from magazines in order to make a “blue mind” themed journal page.

In addition, I want you to know that when you are ready, it is possible to learn to swim as an adult. In teaching swimming lessons for over 23 years, I’ve had the honor of helping to unlock this incredible tool for not only physical health but also mental health and overall well-being for dozens of adult beginners. 

My dear friend Takia learned how to swim as an adult. In this two-minute video, Takia shares what mental health benefits she’s experienced from swimming.

How about you?

If you’re missing out on these benefits because your experience with swimming is limited, please join us at the Water & Well-Being Adult Beginner Swim Retreat May 26-29, 2023! This will be an incredible way to begin your learning to swim journey while surrounded by beautiful scenery, complete with mindset and physical support.

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“Go With The Flow” Journal Prompt