TAKE THE plunge
As you drag yourself out of bed early to do laps of the local pool, it may provide comfort to know that swimming doesn’t only benefit your body – a bank of science shows it also boosts mental health. In fact, a 2018 YouGov poll, commissioned by Swim England, says 1.4 million Brits have experienced a reduction in anxiety or depression symptoms thanks to the activity. And of those surveyed, an impressive 490,000 people have reduced or no longer take mental health medication as a result of paddling in the pool.
MAKING A SPLASH
The numbers speak for themselves but, recently, one particular type of swimming has come to the fore as the prevailing way to remedy the mind – cold water swimming. It(). ‘It helps treat depression and anxiety, reduces stress, gives you an endorphin high, builds mental fortitude and even improves your libido!’
