Today I have had the most interesting conversation with someone about why I swim in cold water. It turns out for some it is hard to convince. If I was to be completely honest I can’t say I always look forward to getting into the cold water, especially if I have had a day sat in front of the computer as this makes me feel cold, sat motionless for what seems like hours at a time. But I know the feeling I’ll get once I’m past the uncomfortable feeling, and I know it’s well worth it. The feeling of calm, the feeling I’m in control, the invigorating feeling it gives you and essentially for me the laughter you get when you go with someone else.
I have swam with my sister Sue for years now. We always laugh when we get into a river or lake, usually due to our ungainly way we enter the water or get out!! There has never in the last 15 years been a time I regretted getting in to swim or plunge.
If you fancy giving the cold water a go but don’t fancy a cold shower, full dip or swim, try putting your hands and feet into a bucket of ice cold water. Feel the sensations and start to calm your mind, keep focusing on the feeling and reminding yourself you are okay and you aren’t in danger. When we experience something that shocks or stresses us, our nervous system kicks in. This is commonly known as the fight, flight freeze state, a physiological reaction where your body perceives you are in danger, being harmed, attacked or under threat. It’s a primitive survival reaction. Incredibly you have the ability to control this through your breath and mind.
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Ride the waves of life. You always have a choice. 