Recently I was listening to a podcast about the incredible health benefits of cold water swimming – off-course I balked at the idea (and especially in winter this seemed like madness). But the more I read about how it could enhance my wellbeing the more determined I became to give it a go. It helped that another mom whose daughter is in my 10 year old’s class encouraged me with her own experience of cold water swimming.
Last Friday morning at 7:45 am I finally scraped up the courage to take the plunge :)…and guess what, it wasn’t horrifying or traumatic…. it was exhilarating and I felt AMAZING afterward. And the feeling of wellbeing and calmness stayed with me for hours afterward. I could literally feel my body zinging with life and energy and since then I have a had a freezing, yet delightful swim every morning.
I am lucky enough to live near the ocean (the West Coast of South Africa… which translates directly into brrrr and goosebumps) but if you’re keen and not near the ocean (or a cold body of water), why not fill your tub with a bit of cold water and add a few trays of ice a couple of times per week, the water can be recycled to the garden or for hand washing clothes… you will become addicted I promise.
Below I am pleased to share an article from Life Hack that eloquently highlights the awesome benefits of cold water swimming, read it, then take the plunge and reap the benefits!
Ending with a big thank you for reading, and with this quote ‘When diving, go deep”.
Happy swimming friends,
Marlien x
1. It boosts your immune system
The effects of cold water on the immune system have been studied widely. Cold water helps to boost the white blood cell count because the body is forced to react to changing conditions. Over time, your body becomes better at mobilizing its defenses.
There’s a reason why so many people who participate in cold water swimming are rarely sick
2. It gives you an endorphin high
Endorphins are what the brain produces to make us feel good about certain activities. Cold water swimming is a form of exercise, and exercise has been proven to treat depression. Cold water swimming brings us close to the pain barrier. Endorphins are released when we’re in pain to help us cope.
Cold water swimming is particularly helpful for endorphin release for this reason. Who can say no to a few extra endorphins.
3. It enhances your circulation
Cold water swimming flushes your veins, arteries, and capillaries. It forces blood to the surface and pushes the cold downwards. In other words, it helps to warm our extremities. Repeated exposure adapts us to the cold.
In older and vulnerable people, this is essential. It helps them better cope during harsh winters. The seasons become less of a health risk and more enjoyable
4. It increases your libido
Cold water was traditionally seen as a way to repress sexual urges. The fact is that it actually increases libido. A dip in some cold water boosts estrogen and testosterone production, adding an edge to fertility and libido
5. It burns more calories
The heart must pump faster and the body must work harder to keep everything warm while swimming in cold water. Overall, you will burn far more calories than swimming in hotter conditions. The idea that drinking cold water increases the number of calories you burn may be a myth, but it’s a fact that cold water decreases your body temperature so much that the body has to act. It’s no coincidence that cold water swimmers are generally thin
6. It reduces stress
Stress is a demon in the modern world. When stressful times come, we are woefully unprepared for them. Reducing stress means you will feel better, you will feel more optimistic, and you will be more resilient when stressful times come along.
Cold water swimming places stress on the body physically and mentally. Many studies have told us about the link between cold water and stress reduction. Cold water swimmers are naturally calmer and more relaxed. They are stronger in the face of adversity.Ic
When taking the plunge, do it in Sustainable Akina Swimwear
Akina has beautiful swimwear, which is locally & 100% sustainably manufactured, below more info:
Fabrics:
We always source locally first. Except for our swimwear fabric, all our supplies are local. All of our cutting and sewing is done in our own factory to ensure we have full control over safe and fair labor.
Swimwear: Our fabric is 78% Recycled Polyamide and 22% Lycra Elastane. We double line our garments to ensure the entire garment is made from superior recycled fabric. The yarn is made from EcoNyl, which is manufactured in Italy from post-consumer waste including fishing nets, fluff, and rigid textiles at the end of their life cycle.
Sleepwear and undies: Our fabric is made in a local mill from 50% organic cotton and 50% modal, then dyed using plant based dyes. While any cotton is not our forever fabric, it’s the best we could find.
Packaging:
Our swimwear is packaged in a 100% recycled plastic zip bag, and we hope they get reused to and from the beach. Or to carry your snack around which ever 🙂
Sleepwear and undies get packaged in bags made from sleepwear fabric off cuts. Small drawstring cotton modal bags- happy to be stuffed with lavender for your sock drawer.
Shipping: We use recycled plastic courier bags, but working on solutions to bypass this step – stay tuned!
Sustainable supplies:
– We use recycled paper in the studio and to print our waybills.
– All cleaning products are nontoxic and biodegradable.
– 90% of our sewing supplies are packed/ stored in brown recycled boxes.
– Our cutting table and storage units are all made from recycled wood.
Future plans:
We invest a lot to save energy, water and waste. Our future plans include our own green manufacturing plant with solar, energy star appliance and efficient technologies.
We always want to be better – If anybody wants to work with us to develop even more sustainable solutions, please get in touch – hello@akinalabel.com
