Dive into the pool now!

water workout

Everyone has heard of how swimming can reduce stress, but did you know swimming can also reduce depression. Depression is not simply sadness, or feeling down in the dumps. Depression is considered an illness that occurs as a result of chemical imbalances in the brain.

Chemicals in the brain are responsible for mood control, and when they are out of balance, a person can feel upset even if there is nothing wrong in their life. Their emotions might range from emotional guilt or apathy to physical afflictions such as weight loss or weight gain.

A number of researchers and psychologists alike have become true believers in the efficacy of swimming when it comes to reducing depression. So, how does swimming make you happier?

Exercise for smiles

Any form of aerobic exercise stimulates the brain chemicals leading to producing ANP, a stress-reducing hormone which helps control the brain’s response to stress and anxiety. However, a number of people have found that taking a plunge into a pool has relieved them of their stress and anxiety faster and better than going for a run. This is because apart from releasing the endorphins (the ‘happy’ chemicals), swimming is basically a form of ‘whole body meditation’. The long muscle movements and the focus on repetitive deep breathing required in swimming is very similar to that in yoga, giving you the same sense of peace and tranquility.

Let’s not forget how a swimming pool offers a quiet oasis away from day-to-day life. Once you’re in the pool, your mind is blank, allowing you to drown out your worries and troubles. A swim to start off a work day would get your blood circulation going, warm up stiff joints, get the heart pumping and give you that post exercise-high to take on a tough day at work. A swim at the end of a long day of work mostly comprising sitting in front of your laptop will leave you feeling refreshed both mentally and physically, and will help you get a good night’s sleep.

Water has long been considered for its healing powers, beauty and adaptability to change. Unlike the dry air of your gyms and tracks, swimming pools have a higher level of moisture in the atmosphere. The moist air makes it much easier to breathe, particularly if you suffer from asthma. But even if you’re not suffering from a breathing problem, swimming can help increase your lung volume and force you to learn proper breathing techniques.

Yoga and meditation give a lot of importance to proper breathing, not only to eradicate illnesses but also to reduce anxiety and stress. Meditation is about stilling the mind and being absolutely present. When you’re swimming, there is nothing you can think about besides your breathing and strokes. Long hours of open water or long-distance swimming, with no thought except focus on the moment and enjoyment of nature, can help alleviate stress and worry for many.

For everybody

Swimming is beneficial to people of all ages. With the introduction of toddler-parent swim classes, babies as young as six months can safely be taught by trained teachers while their parents hold them safely in their arms, and perform a variety of water familiarisation activities to nursery rhymes. Nothing can be more soothing than being in a swimming pool holding your baby.

Pregnant women as well are encouraged to have a relaxed swim once a week, which greatly reduces stress on the joints and keeps the body cool while getting in a light workout. The biggest benefits can be seen for elderly people above the age of 50 years, or people with injuries: swimming acts like a painkiller, soothing their pain and relieving their muscles since the low-impact nature of water is suitable for people even with knee and back problems.

Unlike a gym, where you’re using machines to work out isolated areas of the body, swimming allows you to utilise most of the muscles in your body; it’s an overall body workout. With water support, you can ace all those tricky yoga poses you’ve been meaning to try. Diving into cold water is invigorating and mood boosting. So this summer, the best way to zap out of a bad mood or a depressed state of mind would definitely be to put on your swimsuit and jump into your closest swimming pool.

(The author is Speedo fitness expert and an Olympian)