Cold water swimming has been associated with significant increases in dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter linked to mood, motivation, and pleasure. This study found that immersion in cold water led to a 250% increase in dopamine levels!
Serotonin Swim this Sunday 9th March anytime 9am - 12pm
New format as I’m away (more about that below|). Mary who runs the lido cafe has kindly agreed to give out the cards of recognition thanking you for making the effort to swim and support the lido. And of course a little edible treat.
Sunshine forecast! Thank you Iain from the 7am lido regulars for the great photo! See below.
When we give ourselves permission to swim we support everyone we know. When we tell one person “I’m doing Serotonin Swim this Sunday” or “do you want to join me for a Serotonin Swim this Sunday?” It gives them the confidence to find a protected moment. To give themselves permission to take the valuable recovery time all humans need. That might be a Serotonin Swim or something else. Any time they make for themselves is incredibly important. It's sad to think many of us would never neglect someone we love as much as we neglect ourselves. Please know that our commitment to swim supports at least one other person. It might seem small but small things have more value than we often realise.
Remember the aim is to swim 1 length half a length as its winter. Then collect your thank you card of recognition and mini reward from Mary at the cafe. List of scientifically proven benefits below. First serotonin swim? See below my signature.
‘Plunging is the ultimate tonic’: the invigorating power of cold-water swimming - here
A cold water swim helps us;
regulate emotions
boost immune system
calm thoughts
get perspective
reduce inflammation
recharge cognitive energy
support sleep
Where have I been?
My Mum needs an operation so I've been spending my spare Sundays down in Devon. As many of you know, it's strange when you take on the parental role with your parents. Its also quite hard emotionally and physically. My mum's operation isn't life threatening, she just needs some support. I've been swimming in the sea - my ‘new normal’ has been the swim below. This beach also has a sauna (photo also below) which is heavenly.
Now I'm in Norway. I’ve extended my stay here after working for a new client. I've been to 4 saunas in 5 days! The fjord is about 7 dregrees, surprisingly warm. I met some lovely people in a sauna on Monday who said that I should go and visit a lady in the north who has built a little sauna for people after she cuts a hole in the ice for them to swim. I’ve written asking her if I can go next week.
I’m looking forward to seeing you all soon x
“It's not about knowing what to say. It's about being there when nobody knows what to say. The only thing people need to hear is, "You are not alone." And that doesn't require words. It just requires your presence."
You are a good person, doing your best. That’s enough.
P.S - if you can’t make it to the lido, swim where you can. And if you can’t swim, there is always an invigorating cold shower!
First Serotonin Swim?
Please book your swim via the Better site here (they manage the pool). This makes it much quicker to get in on the day.
The below applies if water temperature is below 10 degrees. This Sunday the water temperature will be around 16 degrees.
Click here for Jesus Green Lido community survey data on how to adjust to cool water swimming
BBC Science here - Why an icy dip is good for your mental and physical health
Article here - Neoprene and afterdrop: how to keep swimming outside this winter
BBC Just one thing - benefits of swimming here
Why do people swim at Jesus Green?
Thank you Iain! How good is the lido looking this week?
My Sunday swims have been across this bay and back
Sauna on the same beach
From inside the second sauna I've visited in Norway
