The Benefits of Swimming in the Sea and why you need to do it
There are many benefits to swimming in the sea and people have been doing it for as long as time. In Ireland, we face slightly more challenging temperatures than warmer climates but that’s what makes it so appealing. Whether you go for the occasional swim during the summer or are a swimming veteran (it get’s easier the more you go) then you’ll be well aware of how great you feel afterwards, it literally feels like your lungs double in size and your eyes will sparkle.
The key thing is not to let the cold panic you, you need to relax and be in the moment, it makes it so much more enjoyable.
Here’s some of the benefits of sea swimming:
Skin
Seawater contains minerals such as magnesium, sodium, calcium, chloride and sulphate that work as natural cosmetics for our skin. Magnesium helps moisturise the skin and reduce inflammation, making it look fresh and vibrant. People with atopic skin problems like eczema or dryness are recommended to take regular baths in salted solutions or best recommended is to take a swim in the sea. This fluid treatment is broadly proven to improve skin condition and its overall hydration, with key benefits attributed to high-magnesium content from sea water.
Wellbeing
Swimming regularly can help reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression, a new study has claimed.
Swimming in the sea can actively improve your health and wellness with calming immersion and sunshine exposure. The elements activate the body’s healing mechanisms and support healing for diseases, asthma, bronchitis, arthritis and also localised aches and pains. Rich in magnesium, seawater also help to relieve stress, relax your muscles, promote deep sleep and spiritually cleanse your aura.
Circulation
Seawater is great for blood circulation in our bodies, from it’s nutrient mix and physical exertion when exercising. Therapy known as ‘Thalassotherapy’ is known to improve blood cycle and circulation by restoring essential micro-elements within our bodies that are depleted by poor diets, stress or induced by environmental pollution.
Respiratory Issues
Nasal Irrigation! Nice. Many people use salty solutions to clear the aul sinuses, we do too but we also dive head first into the baltic Irish Sea. It’s like natures own saline solution and after a quick dip your nose will be running clear (maybe hide this first so you don’t look like a snotty mess)
Immune System
Ocean waters contain an endless supply of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, trace elements and micro-organisms which have antibacterial effects and can even work as natural antibiotics. These components are absorbed by the skin whenever you swim or simply by inhaling a sea mist your lungs can benefit as it also contains negative charged hydrogen ions that enhance our overall health and bodies cells.
Cold Water Therapy:
Many will swim in the sea during the summer but shy away come winter, if you keep at it regularly your body defintely adapts and the cold doesn’t feel so cold. That blast of cold water has a lot of benefits:
- Mental Resilience – Jumping in to water this cold on a regular basis produces that positive pain like feeling that can jolt the body into feeling better
- Reduces Musle Pain and Swelling/Puffyness – Have a hangover from alcohol or a workout hangover? That cold water will reduce inflamation and speed up muscle recovery
- Increased Blood Flow – When the cold water hits your skin, your capillaries open then close causing blood to bathe all your organs and glands. This can mean more nutrients and skin hormones quickly travel to the surface resulting in lovely looking skin
Leave A Comment