I first discovered wild swimming in 2020.
After the birth of my baby the year before, I felt like I had completely lost myself.
Motherhood is a beautiful, transformative journey, but it can also be overwhelming, leaving little room to connect with who we were before. While wild swimming wasn’t the only thing that helped me find my way back to myself, it was undoubtedly a powerful piece of the puzzle.
My relationship with wild swimming didn’t start as ‘love at first plunge’.
The first time I tried it, I remember stepping into the cold water, my breath catching in my chest, and my mind reeling with the shock of it. I remember thinking, “I THINK I enjoyed it?”—but honestly, I wasn’t entirely sure.
As someone who HATES being cold, it felt unnatural. And yet, something about the experience kept drawing me back.
What started as a ‘love/hate’ relationship, over time, became something I completely fell in love with it. Or perhaps, more accurately, the love for wild swimming FOUND me.
The Benefits of Wild and Cold Water Swimming
As I continued to immerse myself in the world of wild swimming, I began to experience profound benefits—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
- A Natural Mood Booster
When I’m feeling emotionally and physically dysregulated, caught up in inner turmoil, wild swimming is sometimes the only thing that truly shifts it. Cold water immersion triggers the release of endorphins—nature’s feel-good hormones—helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression. The sheer exhilaration of plunging into icy water brings a deep sense of presence, forcing me to focus entirely on the moment.
- Awakening the Body and Mind
Cold water shocks the system, waking up every part of my body, mind, and soul. The initial gasp, the rush of cold against my skin, and the eventual adaptation to the temperature work together to increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall vitality. It’s as though the water resets me, reminding me that all is well and that I am capable of more than I think.
- Building Resilience and Strength
The mental challenge of stepping into cold water is just as powerful as the physical one. Each time I submerge myself, I am teaching my body and mind to handle discomfort, to breathe through it, and to embrace change. This resilience spills over into everyday life, helping me tackle challenges with greater ease and confidence.
- Connecting with Nature
There is something deeply grounding about being in natural water. Whether it’s a lake, river, or the ocean, wild swimming fosters a sense of connection with the elements. The sound of the water, the movement of the waves, the sight of the sky above—all of it brings a feeling of peace and perspective.
A Lifelong Love Affair
What started as an uncertain experiment has now become a source of solace, strength, and joy. Wild swimming is my reset button, my moment of clarity, and my way of reconnecting with myself. It reminds me that no matter how chaotic life gets, there is always a way back to the centre.
For anyone considering taking the plunge—whether for the thrill, the health benefits, or the sheer curiosity of it—I can only encourage you to try. You might just find that the water has something to offer you, too.
All of my love,
Laura x
