Cold Water Therapy

 As I live right by the sea, I witness many people take advantage of “cold water swimming” - almost obsessively…Recent research shows that there a huge benefits not only to you psyche but also to your endocrine system (hormonal control), immune system and general cardiovascular health. However, please notice the word cold 🥶….

Wading into cold water takes courage. Many will wear wetsuits etc but I find more people brave the swimming costume with just the neoprene shoes. There is value in being cautious as your need to train your body to cope with the cold. Cold vasodilation is an inverse reaction to immersion in cold water. Surfers in particular will develop more blood vessels in their hands over time - and you have seen the evidence of my husband who, who regularly works in a cold environment, working without gloves 🤦🏻‍♀️. However, rapid cooling of the body does then produce a massive warming after a short swim in the cold water. Yes you will see the bright red legs but no one tells you about the thrilling exhilaration you experience after coming out. You feel so “alive” 😁 Why not try to acclimatise by taking small dips into the freezing waters ? Even paddling can be a good start and then wading in deeper before the head under dip. It doesn’t have to be long to get the benefits. Think about ice bath or cryotherapy for muscle recovery. It aids recovery from migraines, helps with menopause symptoms, depression and even weight loss. Whilst I am no mermaid 🧜🏻‍♀️and I look like a drowned rat in this photo 😂 I felt so energised afterwards 🤩🙌🏻. Yes your feet will scream about the pain so get the booties. But your happiness levels will jump with joy. Go cautiously, go with company, swim somewhere safe (a couple of minutes is plenty) and take you time to get used to it.

Have a look at the RLSS - Sponge to Plunge

https://www.rlss.org.uk/sponge-to-plunge

#coldwaterswimming #coldwatertherapy #coldwaterimmersion #mentalhealth #swimbythesea #coldwaterwomen #menopausehelp