Ready to Take the Plunge?
If you’re looking for an adventurous, eco-friendly way to connect with nature and boost your well-being, why not try cold water swimming? It’s not just about surviving the cold—it’s about embracing it and thriving. So, grab your swim gear, find a wild spot, and get in. Your next great adventure awaits!
- Energize your body
The rush of cold water wakes up your body, leaving you feeling invigorated and ready to take on the day.
2. Reduce stress
Cold water swimming is a celebration of being alive. The cold shock triggers a rush of endorphins, lifting your mood and melting away stress.
- Improve your mood
Taking a cold dip is like hitting a reset button. Having a rough morning? Take a dip. Need to clear your head? Take a dip. Got a little brain fog? You guessed it - take a dip! Facing the cold makes you feel alive and fully present. Every swim feels like a mini-reset for your mind.
- Connect with nature
Swimming in natural bodies of water deepens your connection with the environment. How does the water feel today? Is there a current? Is that thunder? Eek! When you swim regularly in natural waters, you become more attuned to beauty of the wild, motivating you to take better care of these special places. It is deeply satisfying to be surrounded by natural beauty as you swim. You experience the elements in their purest form. I’m fortunate enough to live in the Pacific Northwest, where I’ve come to notice the jellyfish cycles, the warming waters of summer, the seals, and when it's time to break out boots and gloves as autumn cools things down.
- Feel invincible
You’ve got to be brave to cold plunge. To feel comfortable with being uncomfortable. Sometimes, standing on the beach, your body and mind might ask ’Are you sure this is a good idea?’ Well, yes, it is! You’ll never regret a swim. The mental challenge of adapting to the cold pushes you out of your comfort zone, building resilience. You realize that you can handle hard things, which keeps you grounded and energized, even when life feels overwhelming.
- Meet like-minded people
Not everyone you know will want to jump into cold water, and that’s okay. Find your people - the ones who reply with "Hell yes!" when you ask if they want to swim on a snowy day. Communities of cold-water swimmers are growing worldwide, and whether you join a local group or invite a friend to brave the cold, there’s something special about sharing the experience.
7. Exercise your body
Swimming provides a full-body workout, in a low-impact environment. Exercising outdoors increases vitamin D levels, essential for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Regular exposure to natural light during the day also helps to regulate your body’s internal clock, promoting better sleep.
- Boost your immune system
Cold water exposure can help increase your white blood cell count, helping your body to fight off bugs and infections. Plus, for those with active, outdoor lifestyles, in muscle recovery by reducing inflammation and soreness
- Enhance focus
Cold water demands your full attention, and requires you to be fully present, creating a natural mindfulness practice that helps quiet distractions.
- Boost circulation
Cold water might sound uncomfortable if you have poor circulation, but it actually helps! When you immerse in cold water, your blood vessels constrict and then reopen as you warm up, giving your circulation a boost. This leaves a warm glow that lasts all day and is great for heart health—keeping your body ready for all your outdoor adventures.
Written by Andi Simpson, founder of Salt Outdoors. Salt Outdoors provides eco-friendly change robes and merino wool hats designed to keep you warm and cozy after cold-water swimming, and waterproof tote bags to carry all of your adventure essentials.
For more information, visit www.salt-outdoors.com
