Tips for how to have the best swimming experience
Cold water swimming is a fantastic way to experience the sea in winter, and have a nature encounter like no other. There are moreover many positive benefits for body and soul, such as boosting your immune system, and the opportunity to train your willpower and breathing. To get the best possible experience these preparations and tips are recommended.
Think about this before you swim:
- Try and choose a bathing area with a ladder and in a reasonably sheltered spot
- Wear a warm hat and preferably also water shoes and gloves
- Walk yourself warm before you swim if you can. It makes for a bigger adventure and a double nature experience
- Bring a sit mat or something else insulated to stand on while you get changed
- Get your towel and clothes ready before you swim
Think about this when you do your swim:
- When you’ve finally made your mind up – don’t hesitate!
- Take one step at a time into the water
- Take deep slow breaths and hold the air on the exhale so it’s easier to relax
- Remember that cold is just a feeling on your skin
- Note how your brain triggers a fight and flight response
- Stop until you’ve got control of your breathing and just focus on that
- Stay in just long enough for your breathing to be calm and you are ”uncomfortable enough” before walking slowly back
- Dry yourself off and take your swimming gear off relatively quickly after that
- Take something warm to drink afterwards to warm you up from the inside
- Enjoy the lovely tingling feeling in your skin and the energy you have afterwards
