What words spring to mind when you think about swimming? Weightlessness. Freedom. Buoyancy. Lightness. Think about those words. Remarkably similar to the words we might use to describe someone in a happy and well state of mind, are they not? We think it’s more than just coincidence. We think swimming can have a major positive impact on your wellbeing.
Beyond the general benefits to mental health that all exercise brings, there really is something unique about being in the water. In the acclaimed book, Why We Swim, author Bonnie Tsui says it brings us ‘sensory solitude and equilibrium’ that other activities cannot. Let’s take a look beneath the surface.
The mindfulness of swimming
Digital detox: The digital world constantly bombards us with stimuli. Emails, notifications, adverts. The non-stop scroll never allows us to switch off. But unlike going to the gym or for a run, where you can take your phone and be tempted to check your notifications, you leave your phone behind when you enter the pool.
Underwater, conversation is impossible. Devices are out of reach. It’s a rare moment of solitude and silence that truly allows you to switch off.
Mental clarity and thought processing: So much of our thought processing happens in our subconscious. Switching off devices and giving our brains time to unwind is crucial in processing thoughts and finding mental clarity. Again, swimming is uniquely suited to this.
The rhythmic way you glide through the water and the otherworldly sounds beneath the surface allow your mind to wander, much like during sleep. Thoughts come and go, memories may suddenly surface and spark bursts of energy or insights. Problems that seemed all-consuming may simply dissolve. This fluid thought process allows a unique form of mental rejuvenation not always possible during land-based activity.
It’s why so many swimmers often feel mentally refreshed after a session, invigorated yet calmed, as if they’ve processed a backlog of thoughts without consciously tackling them. It’s almost like waking up from a long and peaceful night’s sleep.
Mindfulness and meditative aspects: Mindfulness - living in the present moment and feeling a connection between mind and body - is a medically recommended way to counter stress, anxiety and depression. Swimming naturally lends itself to mindfulness. It’s sort of like meditation on the move. The feeling of weightlessness and freedom in the water helps relieve tension, creating the ideal state for mental relaxation.
Swimming requires a complex mix of coordination, timing and rhythm, focusing your thoughts on your body and away from whatever’s keeping you up at night. Breathwork, one of the cornerstones of mindfulness, is integral to swimming as you time your breaths with your strokes.
Some swimmers find that counting laps or lengths is a good way to focus, while others simply let their minds wander. Either way, swimming keeps you in the present moment and allows you to observe thoughts without becoming consumed by them, much like typical meditation.
Swimming is for everyone
We often talk about the ways exercise and physical activity benefit your mental health. Swimming is one of the best ways to achieve those benefits because it’s so accessible.
Running and team sports are high-impact activities that can strain joints, while many people find cycling too risky. However, swimming is low-impact, with the buoyancy of the water protecting your joints from too much strain. This means even people who are recovering from injuries or living with long-term conditions can enjoy it.
When we see ourselves improving and making progress, we can gain confidence and our self-esteem grows. It can help us deal with challenges in our wider lives. Swimming is ideal for seeing your progress, as it’s easy to measure how many lengths you’re doing in a certain time. You can track your progress in even more detail with SwimTag, available for free at all of our pools. The measurable nature of swimming is great for setting goals and giving us focus, helping us to form a habit that promotes health and wellbeing.
Of course, exercise also helps us to feel more confident about our bodies. Swimming is one of the few activities that works all of our muscles simultaneously, while also burning calories. You’ll soon notice that you’re getting more toned and you’re not getting out of breath doing everyday tasks like you used to. Swimming is great for people with low body confidence, as you don’t have to worry about prying eyes. Unlike in the gym, where you might worry about sweat patches or wobbly bits, in the pool, all people see is your head bobbing along.
Finally, swimming is a great way to have fun and socialise. Whether it’s a couple of old friends chatting at the side between lengths, or a dad playing shark games with his kids shrieking with laughter, the pool brings people together. And nothing boosts mental health like enjoying time with people we love.
So whether you want to quieten down your busy mind, rediscover your confidence or simply enjoy some time with loved ones, swimming is a great way to boost your mental health.
If you’re an adult wanting to enjoy some time in the water, try our lane or leisure sessions. Families love our Fun Time Splash sessions, including our Men & Children-only sessions. We also have women-only sessions where there are no spectators and female lifeguards, and special sessions for people with disabilities or SEND, and their families/carers.
Take a look at timetables for our three centres to find your next session, and start enjoying the mental health benefits swimming offers.