How Swimming Can Improve Your Mental Health

So many of us love swimming, but it can be difficult to keep up. It is a highly immersive sport that works out all muscles in the body without placing too much strain on anything. Being able to swim allows many to work out safely. It can be helpful to improve cardiovascular health, core muscles, and tone of the body. 

Check out Eberjey for comfortable swimwear that allows you to achieve the best results by feeling confident at the pool. There is a range of mental health benefits that come from swimming on a regular basis. Here are some reasons why you should consider swimming as a regular part of your routine.

How Swimming Can Improve Your Mental Health

Breathing Regulation

Firstly, swimming forces the body to practice breathing regulation. This is an essential skill when it comes to managing stress and panic attacks because you are more likely to take shallow breaths during these experiences. 

Because swimming encourages you to take more gradual, deeper breaths, it can prevent hyperventilation that can lead to panic attacks. Even though this is only done during the action of swimming, regulating your breathing in this way can significantly reduce your risk of taking rapid breaths and hyperventilating when stressed. 

This is due to the diaphragm being trained to breathe correctly and regulate the body’s breathing over time. Consider taking up swimming if you find yourself struggling with breathing exercises or regulation when you are experiencing anxiety. 

By gradually taking the steps to swimming more and taking deeper breaths, you are training your body to practice deeper breathing techniques which are great for managing panic attacks. 

Stress Relief

As with any form of physical activity, swimming is an excellent way to relieve stress. This is because of the focus needs to be on your breathing, form, and movements. In turn, swimming does not leave much room for daily stressors or significant events which could be stressing you out. 

Being able to switch your focus to something else can allow you to manage your stress a little easier. Almost all the senses are required in order to swim correctly and navigate through a body of water. Being able to engage in a screenless activity that demands most of our attention can be highly meditative for many. 

Not only that, but the motion of swimming can create a massage-like experience that soothes some muscles. In turn, this can relax certain muscles and make certain stressors easier to manage. 

Boosts Blood Flow To The Brain

Swimming can protect the brain from potentially harmful toxins. This is due to the increased blood flow which is created, which can lead to an improved mood, concentration levels, memory, and overall cognitive function. Not only that but there is some evidence to suggest that swimming on a regular basis can lead to a reversal of certain forms of brain damage. 

Calming Color Blue

Another benefit of swimming is that the color blue has been shown to promote relaxation and improve resistance to stress. This comes from studies about being close to the ocean, but there is some evidence that swimming in a pool or outdoors can generate the same effect. 

In general, it is believed that the color blue that most swimming pools and bodies of water have a calming effect on the brain. Despite mixed reviews, there is a strong connection with the color blue and a deep sense of relaxation and improved mood. 

Socializing

For many, swimming can become a social activity. This is due to the selection of swimming clubs and teams that people can join. Even if you do not want to swim competitively, consider joining a swimming group with like-minded people to enjoy the social aspect that swimming provides. 

Joining a swimming group can also be useful when it comes to staying motivated. This is because the other members are more likely to encourage you to keep at it and attend every session within a week. 

When it comes to taking up a new activity, there is a range of reasons why swimming can be highly beneficial for someone’s mental health. From being able to manage panic attacks through improved breathing regulation, to creating a supportive social circle for individuals to thrive within. 

Swimming can be a highly effective exercise for many people that want to improve their physical fitness as well as their mental health overall. Consider the different ways in which you can enjoy swimming, and check out the different types of swimwear that can help build confidence.