Swimming is such a great way to get your body moving and your heart pumping. It’s low-impact, uses your whole body, and is a lot more relaxing than sweating away in a spin class for an hour.
Still not convinced that it’s worth getting into your bathers? Well, here’s the kicker…Swimming is also amazing for your mind. Whether you’re managing trying to manage you’re mental wellbeing or just looking for a little relaxation, hitting the pool can really help.
HOW CAN IT HELP WITH YOUR MENTAL WELLBEING?
It boosts your mood...
Moving your body through water is no small feat. In fact, you’ve got to get all of the major muscle groups involved to really get things going. As a result, swimming is a pretty serious workout. This kickstarts the flow of feel-good chemicals through the body – and there’s nothing like a healthy dose of endorphins and a splash of serotonin to put a spring in your step.
It chills you out...
Getting into the pool is a great way to take your mind off things, deepen your breathing and release tension from your body. When you swim, you have to focus on the present, so that you don’t start daydreaming and drifting into the next lane. You have to pay attention to your breathing, to avoid gulping down a mouthful of water whenever you take a breath; and you have to send your attention to different muscle groups, to keep your form on point. This is a winning combo when it comes to being mindful and let your mind slow down.
It’ll help you sleep better...
Feeling wired and tense before bed is a recipe for a restless night of tossing and turning. Swimming on a regular basis will help you to get rid of pent-up energy so that, when you hit the sack, you’ll nod off more easily and sleep more soundly.
It looks good on everyone...
Swimming is easier on the body than a lot of other forms of exercise – making it a great choice for people of all ages and fitness levels, including those with injuries. Over time, you’ll build strength and stamina and might begin to appreciate your body more for what it can do.
It’s a cheap and fun activity...
Swimming is a great option for people who want to get active without breaking the bank. There are heaps of low-cost (or no-cost) swimming areas, including public pools, ocean pools, lakes, rivers, swimming holes and a mate’s backyard pool. Less money spent on a pricey gym membership means more money to spend on other things you enjoy. Win-win!
Whether you’re new to swimming or you’ve been tearing up the local pool for years, challenging yourself to dive into a swimming routine will have huge benefits for your mental health and wellbeing.
Perfect for the whole family...
This week I spoke to Aimee who is the amazing Mum of a full-time travelling family of 6; Tom, Aimee and their four boys, Tyler, Lincoln, Jett and Chase. They have been travelling around Australia in a caravan since January 2018 and credit swimming to being the centre of their happiness and well being.
“Swimming for us is now a major part of our lives and we couldn't live without being near water. Be it the ocean, river or a swimming pool. Travelling around Australia for the last three and a half years has taken us to some amazing places and some of the best memories we have, have been in and around the water.
Swimming for us is something our family craves. It brings us all so much joy, fun and laughter. If someone is having a hard time and we need to change things around all we need to do is find some water and instantly we're relaxed and recharged. Its almost like a family session of meditation. Works every single time.”
Follow their journey @4boysandacaravan