All articles tagged with #cold water swimming
Swimming in cold water may offer mental health benefits and physiological effects, but it also carries risks such as hypothermia and drowning. Experts recommend cautious, controlled exposure to water around 15-20°C for a few minutes, emphasizing safety and awareness of individual health conditions.
A study led by academics at University College London found that swimming in cold water can significantly reduce symptoms of menopause and menstrual symptoms, with participants reporting benefits such as reduced anxiety, improved mood, and decreased hot flushes. The study, which surveyed 1,114 women, highlighted the positive effects of cold-water swimming on both physical and mental health, suggesting it as a potential alternative solution for women struggling with menopause and encouraging more women to participate in sports.
A group of marathon swimmers completed a 48-mile relay swim from Split Rock Lighthouse to Duluth's Canal Park in Lake Superior within 24 hours, braving cold water, six-foot waves, and little sleep. The swimmers, who did not wear wetsuits, were closely monitored by crews in kayaks, sailboats, and zodiacs. Experts say that such a swim may not have been possible a few decades ago due to colder temperatures in the lake. However, climate change has led to warmer air and water temperatures in Lake Superior, making it more tolerable for swimmers. The team hopes to raise awareness about the lake's changing conditions and the need for cautious swimming.
Swimming in cold water may have antidepressant effects, as it stimulates the release of stress hormones, endorphins, and dopamine. Preliminary evidence suggests that swimming in cold water can reduce depressed mood and improve mental health. However, the observed benefits may also be attributed to socializing with others while swimming. Cold water exposure can have arousing and stimulating effects, increasing substances involved in regulating mood. It is not necessary to take polar plunges to experience the benefits; even cool showers can have similar effects. However, swimming in cold water is not without risks, including potential cardiac arrhythmias and hypothermia.