If you’re looking to take your exercise routine up a notch this winter, why not consider taking a plunge into the cold water? If you’re an absolute beginner, don’t worry; winter bathing is easily achievable with the right know-how. Swimming in cold water can be an intimidating prospect, especially for those who are new to the activity. But the truth is, there are many benefits to taking a plunge into cold water. From improving cardiovascular health and blood flow to helping reduce inflammation and boosting your mood, swimming in cold water can be a great way to stay healthy and happy. Here’s a look at why you should give it a try!
How to prepare yourself for winter bathing
Swimming in cold water can provide a number of benefits ranging from improved immunity to increased energy levels. However start by taking 2-minute deep breathing excercises through your nose to slowly warm you up from the inside. Try cold showers at home first and once comfortable with this, imerse yourself in cold water baths just for very short time body dip at first. With regular practice, your body will adapt and mind will become more resilient and comfortable with colder temperatures!
To prepare for the cold water bathing find a good spot to swim in – one that isn’t too far from your home so you can make it into a weekly habit, dont forget your warm clothes after you have jumped into water, some places are more exposed to wind, so please try to avoid that if possible for the begining and find some that has some sort of natural protection, like coastal inlets, or city canals just nearby. Get yourself familiarized with the environment first. Then do an easy to warm up excersises before dipping yourself into the chilly waters and then again just right after the swim while getting yourself dry in a towel, however do not jump into cold winter water after you went jogging for more than two kilometers. Winter bathing will seem daunting at first but trust us, swimming in cold water can be totally invigorating! Not only does it help you stay healthy and fit, it can also serve as your very own free spa – bonus!
Get to know your body – The Cold Shock Response
When you first enter cold water, your body experiences a “cold shock” response. This is when your body releases adrenaline and other hormones that help you cope with the sudden change in temperature. Over time, your body will adapt to the lower temperatures and you won’t feel as shocked when entering the water again. This adaptation period usually takes few weeks of regular cold water swimming before your body starts to adjust.
“The sudden lowering of skin temperature on immersion in cold water represents one of the most profound stimuli that the body can encounter.”
– Golden and Tipton in Essentials of Sea Survival
Health Benefits of Cold Water Swimming
In addition to aiding in adaptation, there are numerous physical health benefits associated with cold water swimming. These include improved circulation and blood flow, reduced inflammation, increased metabolism, boosted immune system functions, lowered stress levels, improved skin tone and texture, improved cardiovascular health, strengthened muscles and joints, and more! Taking regular dips in colder waters can also help reduce symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during winter months due to increased exposure to natural light from being outdoors more often.
Safety Tips for Cold Water Swimming
If you are new to cold water swimming or just want some extra safety measures when taking the plunge into cooler waters this winter season, make sure you always swim with others for support if something unexpected were to happen such as cramping or an injury. Additionally, it’s always important to check local weather conditions before heading out so that you know what precautions need taken ahead of time prior hopping into any open bodies of water!
Make sure your time in cold water is very short, and get out of the water before you are gettng too cold, it is something you may not be able to notice and could be very dangerous.
Swimming in cold water can be a dangerous activity and there are a few key signs to look out for which should warn swimmers when it is time to get out of the water. One such sign is the ‘claw hand’ phenomenon, where peripheral muscles and nerves become cold from the extreme change in environment, with the hands especially vulnerable due to them being disproportionally smaller than other parts of the body. Another indication that you need to exit the water is when movements become stiff and less coordinated; this is just a sign that your body has already begun cooling and you should stay out of the cold. Besides this, people must be cautious about an after-drop effect. This cause you to feel cold even after exiting the water since your body had been generating heat while it was swimming; if not back out yet then some activity must be undertaken outside of the water to increase heat. Finally, our bodies needs to warm up gradualy which can take up to few hours till we finaly feel our body is back at its regular feel and temperatures, we must do so gradually rather than heading straight towards sauna or other hot solutions as this can lead to further damage.
Cold water swimming can be an invigorating experience with numerous health benefits associated with it. With proper preparation and safety tips in mind – such as wearing appropriate clothing based on weather conditions – anyone can enjoy reaping the rewards of this unique activity! Just remember that it may take a few weeks for your body to adapt fully so don’t expect instantaneous results – take it slow at first until you get used to it! With these tips in mind, grab some friends or family members and hit the pool today – happy swimming!
