How can swimming improve your mental health?

Just keep swimming...

Let's dive in!

Taking part in any physical activity, like swimming, can work wonders for your mental wellbeing, as well as your physical health. It’s also a great way to step out of your usual routine, whether that’s the gym or home, and enjoy a refreshing change in environment. Why not dive in and discover how great it can make you feel?

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What are the mental health benefits of swimming?


Anxiety reduction

Like many types of exercise, swimming can reduce levels of cortisol (a stress hormone), which heightens when you’re feeling anxious.

The sound of water can be particularly calming as well, while the motion of the water can have a meditative effect too. It’s no wonder that 1.4 million adults in Britain have said that swimming has helped to reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression! (Swim England)

A digital detox

Taking part in a digital detox has been linked to lower anxiety and improved productivity, making swimming a great option for taking a break from the outside world.

You physically can't check Instagram, send that email you just remembered, or doomscroll while you're in the pool, meaning you can become more self-aware and present in the moment while you're swimming!

Improved sleep

Any aerobic exercise that gets your heart pumping, like swimming, has been linked to reducing the time it takes to fall asleep (sleep onset) and increasing your sleep quality as a result!

Sleep deprivation can directly affect your emotional state, making you feel irritable and fatigued. If this isn’t improved, it can contribute to anxiety and depression.


What about cold water swimming?

A study by University College London, which examined women who regularly swim in cold water, found that half of that group said cold water swimming significantly reduced their anxiety.

It’s important to note that these women were all going through menopause at the time too, with more than six in 10 (63%) saying they swam specifically to address menopausal symptoms, making cold water swimming a double whammy when it comes to the benefits it can provide!

You can read more about how swimming can help menopause here.


Top tips to keep in mind

Mental health can affect anyone, and everyone's experience is unique. It’s often influenced by a mix of factors, making it a complex but important part of our overall wellbeing. That’s why we’ve put together some helpful tips below to support you along the way.

  •  Start off small – even a short swimming session can give you a great boost!
  • The water may be cooler than you expect, so feel free to test it out first by dipping your toe or hand in, then gradually climb into the pool
  • Think about what kinds of environments suit you best, for example if you prefer to avoid crowds, don’t hesitate to check what the quieter times are at your local pool
  • Medication can impact the type and level of swimming you do - check with your GP or psychiatrist to see what level of swimming is safe for you
  • Dehydration can also be caused by certain medication, so remember to bring a bottle of water when you swim to help keep you hydrated


Swim with us!

We believe everyone should have the chance to discover the types of exercise that work best for them—including swimming. That’s why our pools offer a variety of sessions and swimming lessons, giving you the freedom to find what feels right. Testing the waters (quite literally!) and building your confidence at your own pace can make all the difference, especially if you’re new to physical activity. Want to take a look at swimming lessons available near you? You can find them below!

Swimming lessons near me

 

If you found this blog helpful, you can view our full list of blogs here.

Sources: How swimming improves mental health (Swim England) | Effects of aquatic exercise on mood and anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis (National Library of Medicine) | How swimming can help your Mind (Swim England) | Cold water swimming improves menopause symptoms (UCL) | A comprehensive review on digital detox: A newer health and wellness trend in the current era (National Library of Medicine) | Aerobic exercise improves self-reported sleep and quality of life in older adults with insomnia (National Library of Medicine) | Here’s what happens when you don’t get enough sleep (Cleveland Clinic)