“People who are going into cold water every day meet themselves in the depth of their own brain. Once you start to get into natural bodies of water you need to proceed with deep breathing… Relax and just swim – it is a deep, deep experience.”   Wim Hof – The Iceman

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week recently took place from the 15th-21st May with the theme of anxiety as its focus. Swimming in a natural body of water can be incredibly rewarding, not to mention a boost to your overall health. And with summer gradually enticing us back into the great outdoors, a dose of wild swimming can really help support your wellbeing.

Many of us know the powerful impact that being active can have on our physical and mental wellbeing but just because we know something is good for us doesn’t mean we want to do it. Trying to be healthier or improve our wellbeing is often a motivating factor for engaging in activity or exercise but boredom can be a negative factor that overcomes all.

Finding a physical activity that you enjoy and makes you feel good is essential for sticking with it and partaking even on the days you might quit on other sports. In recent years, open water swimming has become hugely popular and is a fun and mood-boosting alternative to many mainstream sports and activities. 

If you are looking to try something new, or you wish to find an activity to help boost your mental health, then check out this open water swimming guide.