Taking the Plunge

 Taking the plunge

The cold rush on entering the sea, the sting of the cold water against your skin, goosebumps prickling your arms and legs. Believe it or not cold-water swimming is a healthy thing to do. It may seem like your body is screaming for help but there are many benefits for your body and mind. Did you know it boosts your immune system? Who doesn’t want to have a stronger defence against bugs and viruses. Studies have been widely shown that the cold water helps boost the white cell blood count as your body is pressured to react to changing conditions making it better to defend! Sea Water elements activate the healing mechanisms of your body. Helps support healing for diseases, arthritis, bronchitis and other aches and pains. With the seawater being rich in magnesium it helps relax muscles and actually promotes a deeper sleep. 

Next, we have Endorphins! My all-time favourite chemical makes you feel fabulous when and after exercising. Believe it or not Endorphins are released when you become close to the pain barrier in exercising, helping you to cope with it, giving you a natural high. Also, this kind of exercise has been proven to significantly treat depression. Cold Sea swimming drastically improves your circulation by forcing blood through your arteries, capillaries and veins flushing them out. The blood goes to the surface to help warm us up. They all say the more you expose yourself to the elements of the sea or the longer you stay in makes it easier, well its true! Repeated exposure adapts us to the cold. Not to mention the endless vitamins, minerals, amino acids, micro-organisms and trace elements all at your fingertips within the sea water. With antibacterial effects and these elements being absorbed by your skin and also by inhaling the mist of the sea have huge health benefits for you.

Swimming in the sea makes calories get burnt. The heart has to work harder pumping faster to keep you warm. More calories are actually burnt in cold water rather than in warm water as your body temperature decreases your body recognises that is must act to keep you warm. Now moving swiftly on its apparent,  nobody likes stress, some people may thrive off stress but overall, it’s not a pleasant feeling. I have a solution; cold water swimming is guaranteed to reduce stress. These hardy swimmers are known to be more relaxed and calm.

                                                        

However, you need to be careful its best to swim in groups in case something happens, or you get into difficulty. Be careful of the open water and be vigilant. Its very important not to jump or dive into the water as your body can go into shock but rather go in slowly to give your body time to adjust to the drop in temperature. Wear a swimming hat to try and preserve some heat so your body doesn’t have to go into overdrive. Know your limits, listen to your body, apparently a good gauge of how long to spend swimming is one minute per degree of the water. For example, 9 degrees celsius equals 9 minutes in the water.

Now your all set to try something new! Grab your goggles, your swimming suit and your friends and TAKE THE PLUNGE!