A 2025 systematic review of studies involving 3,177 people found a significant reduction in stress 12 hours after cold water immersion, suggesting the psychological benefits may continue well beyond the swim itself. - here
Swim or dip anytime between 9am and 11am this Sunday 20th September at Jesus Green Lido.
Forecast is bright ☀️
Water temperature currently a steamy 19 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.
One thing I love about outdoor swimming is how it changes our ‘internal weather’. Last week, after a tough day, I arrived with grey clouds and rain in my head. 20 mins later I was leaving with bright sunshine in my mind!
Remember, Serotonin Swim is community funded — so you only pay to enter the pool!
Why is September such an important month in the outdoor water swimming calendar?
Because September is the month that sets us up to swim through the winter. It’s the foundation that the mood lifting, focus enhancing and perspective giving benefits are built on.
Swim once a week in September and we can make it through to October. Get through October and we can get through November. And then we’re all set for winter!
Remember, our extraordinary quality as humans is the ability to adapt; from learning to walk, to riding a bike, to driving a car, we constantly turn unfamiliar things into things we can do almost automatically.
Outdoor swimming can feel uncomfortable and we can experience self doubt, but that is exactly why it can increase our confidence.
Confidence does not come from doing easy things. It comes from doing things that fill us with a little trepidation, then proving to ourselves that we can do them.
This gives the brain new evidence. The sense of empowerment we get from;
I did it! I proved to myself I can!
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 ✅
“Nothing is worth more than this day.”
— Goethe
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………..
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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