Did you know that the most effective mood regulator is sleep? And this famous study shows that swimming noticeably helps improve both getting to sleep and sleep quality.
When we sleep better, we feel better, we perform better. Swimming is a great sleep medicine.
Join the next Serotonin Swim - Sunday 13th Oct anytime 9am - 11am
Jesus Green lido is at it’s best in the autumn. The colours, the light, its a delight! Water temperature will be around 14 degrees. This is a wonderful temperature, cold and refreshing, yet warm enough for us to swim and feel a sense of achievement.
Remember the aim of each Serotonin Swim is 1 length. That’s your goal. Any more than this is a superb effort. Hold in mind 1 length is enough to release feel good hormones. And remember to collect your sticker and edible reward post swim.
A cold water swim helps us;
regulate emotions
boost immune system
calm thoughts
get perspective
reduce inflammation
recharge cognitive energy
support sleep
Cam Uni & ARU students go free on 13th October
Lido attendance for Cam Uni & ARU students is growing. Probably because it’s a scientifically proven way to manage stress. And very likely because it’s fun and helps us feel connected to others. First Serotonin Swim? For tips see below my signature.
Bring your student ID to get free entry on Sunday 13th October. Anytime 9am - 11am.
My recent Swim Story
As part of my summer swim adventures (thank you Gerra, Zurich & Devon!) I was swimming on Slapton beach with my nieces and nephews and look who came to join our swim - picture below - what a feeling! I’m sure this sounds ridiculous but it really felt like the seal was playing with us, that we were all enjoying the sea together as the sun went down. These moments of being in affinity with nature are very special.
The following morning I went for a ‘wake up’ dip. It was raining, just me and one other person, who I’d met earlier in the week. We ended up falling into conversation as swimmers so often do. How was your swim? I asked “wonderful, even in the rain I’ve started coming everyday, it just helps me feel lighter” was there a reason you started to come everyday? “my husband died, this has been the best way for me to cope”.
We all come to the water for different reasons, from fun in the sun, to grief, to simply washing away the tension of the day. A ‘swim’ sounds so simple but the meaning and connection it offers is profound. It reaches something deep within us that is healing in a multitude of ways.
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
What a swim! Slapton Beach Devon + Lido last week!