Enjoy the health benefits of swimming in winter.

Brrr! Just the thought of swimming during winter gives you a shiver down your spine. One imagines Icelandic athletes diving into holes in the ice of the North Pole, where the water temperature hovers, literally, just above freezing.

But while swimming during the year’s coldest season is different to splashing around in summer, it super rewarding. In fact, an icy dip has plenty of physical and mental benefits.

• It revs up your immune system.

There’ve been countless studies. Cold water boosts your white blood cell count because it forces your body to react to the sudden change in temperature. This makes your body better at adapting to change, and is the ultimate hallmark of a healthy and resilient immune system. In fact, people who swim in cold water regularly rarely get sick.

• It gives you a natural high. 

Who needs synthetic drugs when a jump in an icy pool is great at flooding your body with endorphins? Endorphins, those feel-good hormones, are normally associated with exercise and eating chocolate. They reduce the perception of pain that you experience when you dive into icy water, and instead trigger waves of positive feelings. Plus cold water swimming is exercise, and exercise lessens depression. So, say yes to endorphins, kids! 

• It improves the heath of your hair and skin.

Your body needs good circulation to operate optimally. Swimming in cold water flushes your veins, arteries, and capillaries by forcing the blood to the surface of your skin to warm our extremities. When we do this often, our bodies adapt. This, in turn, helps protect our skin and hair as well as our organs and bones. What’s more, it can help older and more vulnerable people, making the adjustment to winter less of a health risk.

• It boosts your metabolism and burns calories.

Did someone say diet? Swimming in cold water can help with weight loss because the heart has to pump faster in cold water to keep everything warm. This extra work means you’re burning a lot more calories than a similar swim in summer. 

• It dramatically improves mental health.

Regular dips in icy water improve concentration and memory function as well as reduce stress and depression. This can offer long term relief from anxiety and stress. Cold water swimmers are naturally calmer, allowing them to breathe more deeply, and be more resilient in the face of adversity.

• It’s a great way to socialise and bond with friends.

Humans need connection and socialisation to live healthy and happy lives. Swimming in cold water works wonders for this, as nothing brings people together better than facing a challenge, and sharing the experience as a group. It’s also far more fun to do it with friends, because with all the laughter that’s bound to ensue, you’re looking at the release of even more happy hormones, and an improvement in your general health and wellbeing. 

• It soothes and tones your vagus nerve.

Don’t worry. Until we read up on it, we hadn’t heard of the vagus nerve either. But we should have really, because it operates all our major organs as well as our body’s “fight or flight” response. Swimming in cold water improves your parasympathetic nervous system which, in layman’s terms, means that your body can relax quicker after stress. And that’s a good thing.

• It takes you outdoors, providing natural catharsis and healing.

People crave nature. It comforts and inspires us, and is a natural antidote for stress. Getting outdoors can dramatically improve health and wellbeing, as well as your mood.

Remember though, if you swim in cold water, do it safely! 

There are risks to everything in life, and swimming in icy water is no different. So here are safety tips to keep you reaping the benefits of your icy dip – and avoiding its dangers. 

• Always acclimatise.

Icy water will cause the temperature of your body to plummet, so be sure to keep moving and swimming to allow your body to adjust. Just like with many things, it’s important to listen to your body, and get out when you feel it’s time.

• Warm up slowly afterwards.

Don’t have a hot shower straight away. Rather put on some warm clothes and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate to let your body warm gradually. Mmm, that sounds great!

So, when people ask you why you’re swimming in winter, the real question is actually why aren’t they?

Enjoy your new crazy pastime – and the benefits it brings!