The 2nd of March is World Teen Mental Wellness day. So, we thought we’d take a look at what mental health is, and what are its benefits. And, because it’s long been accepted that physical exercise plays a crucial part in mental well-being, we’ll show how swimming can help your thoughts and emotions, and keep your brain at its most productive and positive.
What is mental health?
Physical health, though crucial, isn’t the only thing you need to worry about to stay healthy and happy. You have to nurture your mental health too. Yet, mental wellness can be triggered by many problems, especially stress. This can be caused by any number of things: work, education, money issues, mourning, or relationship problems. It can also be caused by mental health disorders, like depression, anxiety, or ADHD. Even getting older can have a negative effect on mental health.
It comes as no surprise then that one in four people will experience a mental health problem in any one year.
So, it’s so important to do what you can to protect yourself, and the people around you, from poor mental health’s adverse effects, and do what you can to improve your mental wellness.
How swimming can improve mental health
It makes sense. Staying active has a positive impact on mental health, including improving your mood, increasing your self-esteem, lowering depression, improving your sleep, and reducing stress.
Scientific studies around the world show that swimming reduces anxiety and depression for millions of people. In fact, trips to medical professionals decrease significantly as a result of swimming.
So, what are the benefits you can look forward to when you dive into your pool?
- Stress relief
Swimming is a fun and highly effective way to reduce stress. Just by being in contact with water can help both your body and mind loosen up. Paying close attention to the regular rhythm of your swimming technique can have a meditative effect on the mind.
- Healthy brain
Studies show that immersing yourself in water boosts blood flow to the brain. This means your grey matter gets an extra dose of oxygen, glucose, and nutrients. In children, it’s even more beneficial. Kids who learn to swim earlier achieve a higher level of oral expression, literacy, numeracy, and visual-motor skills, compared to non-swimmers.
- Lower anxiety and depression
Regular swimming, even if it’s just for half an hour, lowers depression and anxiety. That’s because exercise releases those natural feel-good endorphins that give us a greater sense of happiness and wellbeing.
- The colour blue
The ocean. The sky. Even the fact that water makes up 60% of our bodies. It’s not definitive science but the evidence suggests that the colour blue, and being in blue spaces, improve mental wellness.
- Breathing regulation
Deep and rhythmic breathing has long been associated with calming your mind. And what do you know, but breathing regularly and rhythmically is central to swimming! It’s also a great workout for your lungs, which can help lower blood pressure and eliminate toxins.
- Improved sleep
Sleep. You can’t function without it. And, if you aren’t getting enough of it, and good quality sleep at that, you won’t be operating on optimal levels. Swimming works out your entire body, so you can get a good night’s sleep, and the rest you need.
- Increased focus
Swimming takes coordination, both physically and mentally. With all the focus that leg kicks, arm pulls, and breath control provides, there’s not much room to concentrate on anything else. So, your mind gets a chance to recharge.
So, how can you use swimming to improve your state of mind?
- You don’t have to jump straight into the deep end with swimming. Quite the opposite, start off small and build up to a pace that suits you. It doesn’t have to be a lot either. Even a short swim can give you a natural energy boost.
- Aqua aerobics and aquatic meditation are great ways to refresh your mind and focus on your inner calmness and mental wellness.
- Have friends and family over for a dive in the pool. You can do exercises with them, and it’s socially stimulating. Some swimming pools will have sessions aimed at improving well-being and for people with mental health problems.
- Don’t be embarrassed about your body. Remember you’re not alone. Lots of people feel the same way. There is a wide range of swimming t-shirts, wetsuits, and one-piece bathing costumes to help you feel comfortable.
So, let’s hear it for swimming. When it comes to working out the mind, reducing stress and anxiety, and giving you a healthy and natural feeling, swimming is very hard to beat. Plus, you’re getting the physical benefits too.
So, if you want to think happy, think swimming!
