Open-water swimming positively impacts mental well-being: A guide for personal exploration
Open-water swimmers experience a substantial enhancement in their mental health, finds a new study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology. The research, which involved 1,200 outdoor swimmers from 19 countries, discovered that both open-water and open-air pool swimmers enjoyed improved moods and lower stress levels. However, open-water swimmers reported 9% more feelings of happiness, worthwhileness, and satisfaction than their pool-swimming counterparts. These findings held true for swimmers dipping in both coastal and inland waters.
The study reinforces the shared belief among open-water swimming enthusiasts that wild waters offer greater mental health benefits compared to swimming in a pool. Both outdoor activities boast proven health advantages, making it unsurprising that combining the two would have positive effects on one's well-being.
For those considering taking the plunge themselves, it's important to be mindful of safety precautions, especially on hot days when the temptation to jump into open water without hesitation may be high.
Before diving into open water, check the water quality. Regardless of its inviting appearance, open water can carry harmful pollutants like E. coli and toxic infestations such as blue green algae. You can determine the water quality using resources like the How's My Waterway map in the United States or the Surfers against Sewage map in the United Kingdom.
Another significant concern for open-water swimmers is the presence of currents. Coastal rip currents and strong river currents can carry swimmers off course if care isn’t taken. It's essential to know how to identify currents and what to do if you get caught in one, swimming parallel to the shore until it peters out.
Preparation is key, and having the right gear is crucial for a safe and enjoyable swim. Invest in comfortable and easy-to-swim clothing that allows for extended stays in the water. Open water swimming environments are often colder than pools, so be prepared for a chill. A dry robe can provide insulation if you feel too cold.
Swimming safely involves careful entry. Wade in slowly and cautiously, as open water can be murky, and it's essential to know where the bottom lies to avoid any accidents. Always swim with a friend or join a local open-water swimming organization for added safety.
For more details on open-water swimming safety, refer to our expert guide. Additionally, consider investing in useful gear such as protective changing robes and quick-drying water shoes to enhance your experience.
- Incorporating both swimming and adhering to healthy nutrition can boost mental health and overall well-being, as environmental science has shown that open-water swimmers often report enhanced feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
- For those interested in expanding their fitness-and-exercise routine to incorporate health-and-wellness benefits, it's essential to research the environmental quality of the water, as poor water conditions can pose risks to one's health.
- Participants in environmental-science activities such as open-water swimming must be aware of the risks that come with challenging terrains, ensuring they take the necessary precautions to maintain their fitness-and-exercise routine while protecting their mental health.
