My connection with the ocean has been one of the most consistent, grounding forces in my life. It’s where I find the courage to face whatever comes next. I think that’s why it’s so powerful for mental health. It’s always there, offering calm and comfort in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.I have swam in the sea for as long as I can remember. It was only as I grew olderand moved to Plymouth in Devon, for my BSc Marine Biology degree, that thisconnection deepened. Especially during times when I needed it the most. Assomeone who’s always been passionate about the sea, my love for sailing andsurfing has shaped my relationship with the ocean.
There’s something magical about the sea. Humans have an innate connection with it.
It’s unpredictable, much like life, but we learn to navigate it. Beyond its beauty, the ocean has a unique way of calming the mind. One of the most profound ways I’ve connected with the ocean is through swimming. Immersing yourself in open water makes you feel like part of something much bigger than yourself.
There’s something empowering about swimming in cold water. It might sound daunting at first, but once you take that first step you begin to realise that you can overcome anything. Cold-water swimming forces you to adapt to discomfort, training your mind to build resilience which transcends to other areas of your life. It’s like a natural therapy.
This is where the theory of ‘Blue Mind’ comes into play. Blue Mind is a concept discovered by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols. He was the first to make the link between neuroscience and the healing power of the ocean. His idea that being close to the water can ease your mind. He found that proximity to water could actually trigger positive responses in our brains and send us into a mediative state.
I became really interested in learning about the science behind this theory when I felt the benefits for myself. In October 2023, I began an open water swimming fundraiser for ‘Surfers Against Sewage’ as part of their ‘Dip-a-Day’ campaign. I swam regularly before; however, this was more intense, swimming everyday no matter the weather.
I actually found on days when it was raining even more therapeutic than times when it was sunny. A couple of weeks into swimming in the sea every day, I noticed a lot of positive change in my mental wellbeing. October can be a particularly stressful month having just started a new year in my degree, and deadlines and exams beginning to loom. At a time where I felt overwhelmed with stress, I found clarity and calm in the sea.
When you swim in the ocean you’re fully immersed in your surroundings. It forces you to be present, and for me it feels as though it stops time. When I’m floating ont he surface, the water supporting my body, it acts as a reminder that I don’t have to carry everything on my own. I could feel my body physically relaxing and tensions dissipating. In those moments, there’s no room for stress or anxiety, only to be present.
Though my love for sailing and my degree, I’ve always been connected to the sea, but swimming feels like the purest way to experience it. On days when I feel overwhelmed, which can be a lot, a swim in the ocean has the power to clear my head like nothing else. It reminds me that life’s troubles are as temporary as the changing tides.
So, when I feel like the weight of the world is too much, I know where to turn. The ocean is there, always waiting, offering a chance to breathe deeply, let go, and start again.Not sure how to get started? Here’s some advice that I abide by:
1. Start Slow:
Don’t dive in headfirst! Begin by swimming in the warmer months, building up to when it gets colder. Last year was only the first year I swam in every month! You can also try dipping in for short periods to build up your tolerance to the cold. I did this too and it was still enough to feel the benefits!
2. Swim with Friends:
Swimming with a group not only makes the experience more fun, but it’s also safer. Plus, having someone to share the cold-water challenge with can boost your motivation.
3. Stay Safe:
Always check the weather and tides before heading out. Avoid swimming in strong currents or during storms. Make sure you know yourlimits, and if you’re not a strong swimmer, stick to shallow waters.
4. Warm Up Slowly:
After your swim, warm up gradually. Don’t jump into a hot shower right away, let your body adjust by layering up with warm clothes and hot food or drinks.
5. Practice Mindfulness:
Use your time in the water to be fully present. Focus on your breath, the sensations of the water, and the sounds of the ocean. It’s a powerful way to clear your mind and soak in the mental health benefits.
Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or someone looking for a new way to boost
your mental health, the ocean is always there. Ready to welcome you into its healing embrace.
Take the plunge, your mind and body will thank you.Socials : @maddiesmarinebio
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