'Moving Meditation': How Swimming Makes Us Happy
English author Roger Deakin loved swimming — not racing in the water, but just being in it. He said when you leave the land behind you enter a new world.
Scientists might not describe it in quite the same way, but there is lots of evidence to suggest that swimming isn't just good for our bodies — it can make us happy too.
Many swimmers report that the feeling of weightlessness when they float in water makes them feel more relaxed.
It has also been called "moving meditation" because of the way we breathe when we are swimming — like taking deep breaths and holding our breath for some time.
It's quite similar to the way we breathe while meditating or doing yoga — and focusing on our breathing when doing these activities can help us to feel calm.
Studies have also shown that being in water can increase the flow of blood — and oxygen — around the body, including to our brains, which has been shown to help with things like mood and memory.
And after all that activity, the first thing some people want to do is sleep — or perhaps, eat and then sleep!
Because swimming gives our whole body a workout, it has been shown to improve our sleep — and we know about the importance of a good sleep for our mental health.
The advantages of swimming outdoors may be even greater, according to studies.
Spending time in or near "blue spaces" like the sea, lakes and rivers has been found to improve our mood and reduce stress.
So, dive in!
