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'It Brings Me Back Into Reality': Islanders Invited To Mental Health Swim

Mental Health Swimmers

'It brings me back into reality and makes me present', says the Islander who runs Mental Health Swims on the Isle of Wight.

Organisers Lottie and Zoe are inviting Islanders to come along to their swims, which happen on the 2nd Saturday of every month from next month (December).

You don't have to swim though, you can just dip or splash if you prefer.

After the swim at midday, the group also do a litter pick.

Benefits of cold water swimming include:

  • It boosts your immune system
  • It gives you a natural high
  • Activates endorphins
  • It improves your circulation
  • It increases your libido
  • It burns calories
  • It reduces stress

Lottie told Isle of Wight Radio:

"For me, it helps me to be present and grounded so when you immerse yourself in cold water it is very difficult not to be present and be elsewhere with your thoughts because you are quite chilly.

"It definitely does bring you back into reality - it's almost like giving your worries to the sea. It's self-care, a bit of exercise and it is grounding. I can go in the sea feeling one way and come out a different way. It's also opened doors with the people I swim with."

Zoe told Isle of Wight Radio:

"For me I think it is a part of having a hobby - I didn't have one before this and especially because of the lockdown everyone was a bit lost of what to do. Getting outsife and doing something that helps your mental health as well I have found amazing. It has really helped me personally."

The first swim is on December 12.

You can find out about the swims via their Instagram or Facebook Page.

 

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