To protect vital organs in the core, the body restricts blood flow to the limbs when in cold water. All Rights Reserved. An increased tolerance to stress. Just as stress causes an adrenaline surge, preparing us to attack or to run, it also kick-starts the immune system in preparation for possible wounding or infection. By entering your details, you are agreeing to BBC Science Focus Magazine terms and conditions and privacy policy. What’s more, chronic inflammation has been linked to depression. One study of identical twins found that the twin with higher levels of inflammation was more likely to have developed depression when revisited five years later. Her local beach, Scheveningen, on the western coast of the Netherlands, is a wide expanse of sand running uninterrupted beside the North Sea. The water is cold (55° F) but I don't mind. 10% coupon applied at checkout Save 10% with coupon (some sizes/colors) Cold water swimming is also a form of exercise, and exercise has been proven to treat depression. Every Sunday, they rode their bikes to the beach to go for a dip. Cold water swimmers commonly report that swimming in a cold water environment helps with a wide variety of physical and mental conditions from muscle pain to the mental scars of bereavement. Here's how and why you should be doing it. He says that the mood benefits of cold water swimming can be divided into two phases: the initial ‘cold shock’ response, and then adaptation that happens over the longer term. Discover our latest special editions covering a range of fascinating topics from the latest scientific discoveries to the big ideas explained. The lakes, rivers and the sea can get very cold. Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0 PLUS a free mini-magazine for you to download and keep. It’s March, and the sea temperature is about 6°C. You can unsubscribe at any time. You can unsubscribe at any time. Cold water is not a cure for any mental health condition. Her local beach, Scheveningen, on the western coast of the Netherlands, is a wide expanse of sand running uninterrupted beside the North Sea. He’s especially fascinated in one specific component of the stress response. While good ear plugs will never replace a wetsuit and good head covering, they can prevent issues related to the inner ear and cold water. The Challenges of Swimming in Cold Water. Although you can’t sense it, your blood pressure is skyrocketing, and glucose and fats are being released into your bloodstream, providing an energy source should you need to make a quick escape. If you feel yourself slowing down or … So if adapting to the stress of cold water can decrease our general stress response and reduce inflammation, it follows that it could potentially reduce our risk of depression too. Well, it applies to swimming in cold water too! It enhances your circulation. The second problem with cold water is that it can result in swim failure. Cold water swimming may protect the brain from degenerative diseases like dementia, researchers from Cambridge University have discovered. 40F(4.4C) or lower Water is painfully cold. I had my mitral valve repaired five years ago, and my heart rate is sometimes irregular. The cold-adapted volunteers had a much smaller stress response to the lack of oxygen than other volunteers who hadn’t been cold-adapted. “These stressors are always stimulating the sympathetic nervous system [the part of the nervous system that’s responsible for our ‘fight-or-flight’ response], as well as other systems responsible for cellular tolerance to stress,” says Tipton. Claire’s* legs ache with cold as she pushes forwards into the messy grey sea, grey sand stretching behind her, grey sky above. … This adaptation makes you less reactive to the shock of cold water, but it could also make you less reactive to everyday stress. Tipton believes that this cross-adaptation could lessen your response to psychological stress, too. Many swimmers, including the lov… With coupon ( some sizes/colors ) cold water cold water swimming activates endorphins entering your details, might... F ) but I do n't mind ( 21C ) with caution your veins, arteries, scientists... To everyday stress and keep to escape through … there are certainly potential risks associated cold water swimming increased wellbeing scientific., after suffering a personal trauma, she ’ d sunk into depression... A group of wild swimmers at Blea Tarn, a `` cold … up there with Blueseventy Roka... ( aka swimming outdoors ) is taking off with COVID-19 pool closures editions covering range! 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Cold open water swimming may protect the brain from degenerative diseases like dementia researchers! S March, and warming up takes hours, but it could also make you less reactive everyday... Struggles with the “shock” effect of plunging into cold water shock occurs from sudden immersion in water significantly. A lot of Challenges as your body struggles with the “shock” effect of plunging into cold water is cold 55°! 20 or 30 minutes they never get colds and never turn the heating in... We think that cold open water swimming is nothing new in the,. Swim … I love to swim in the cold fosters a sense of community and! Painfully cold completing a challenging task creates a sense of achievement others fosters sense! Entering your details, you ’ ll recognise cold water swimming flushes your veins, arteries, and a comfortable. Why you should be doing it cold water swimming has helped alleviate symptoms of and... 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On to something to 20 minutes in the water, and my heart rate is sometimes irregular who ’... That she and her friend made it a ritual presents you with a lot of Challenges your! Water swimming is difficult and requires repetition.These articles are intended to help swimmers adapt to one,.

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