A 2025 study of 164 adults found cold water participants reported lower anxiety and stress and greater resilience and self confidence than non participants. Study here.
Swim or dip anytime between 9am and 11am this Sunday 11th October at Jesus Green Lido.
Forecast is ☀️ with a bit of ☁️.
Water temperature currently 15.4 degrees ❤️
You will receive recognition and an edible treat for swimming 1 length or more. Just pop over to the Serotonin Swim table poolside to collect your recognition.
Remember, Serotonin Swim is community funded — so you only pay to enter the pool!
Why did I start Serotonin Swim?
Because I love outdoor swimming.
And because, during some of the tougher times in my life, swimming has always helped me.
Sometimes it’s given me a sudden jolt of perspective. Other times, it’s helped simply by bringing me back to the present moment. When I jump into the water, even if just for a few seconds, I can’t think about anything else. I’m immediately back into the here and now.
And often, Jesus Green Lido has helped because of its warm, kind hearted community and what Americans sometimes call low-stakes relationships.
The reassuring smile of a familiar face. A quick chat with someone about the colour of the leaves, the slice of cake they’ve baked, or complaining that the sauna wasn’t hot enough!
These little moments of connection can mean more than we realise.
I have no idea what Serotonin Swim will grow into.
But I do know that, for now, it’s simply a way of saying you’re not alone.
Whether you’d like a little support at the start of your outdoor swimming journey, or just a bit of motivation to get yourself to the pool on a beautiful autumn day, we’re here.
P.S - See lido regular Iain’s brilliant photo from this mornings swim!
Invite one person to come to the lido with you this Sunday. It’s OK if they can’t come, it’s the invite that matters.
The aim is simple: reach out to one person with a small, genuine invite or message
No need to fix anything: just showing up and listening is enough
Connection matters: a small moment can help remind a person that someone cares and they’re not alone
Did you know?
Reaching out to someone else can boost your own mood as much as theirs ✅
Feeling supported by just one person can significantly improve resilience during stressful times ✅
Regular small interactions can improve focus and cognitive performance ✅
“Whatever you did today is enough. Whatever you felt today is valid. Whatever you thought today isn’t to be judged. Repeat the above each day.”
-Brittany Burgunder
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!
This is what awaits you on Sunday……….. - thank you Iain!
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?
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