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Dealing With Depression? Here's How Cold Water Swimming Can Help
According to a study report published in British Medical Journal Case Reports, swimming in cold water may be an effective treatment for depression. The study was led by television doctor Chris Van Tulleken from the University College, London, and co-authored by two scientists from the University of Portsmouth. They brought out the case of a woman with severe anxiety and depression who began cold water swimming and immediately started feeling better.
She continued swimming and her symptoms of depression and anxiety started going down. This case study was the first to examine open water therapy to treat depression and it was a part of a television programme made by Dr Van Tulleken.
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the use of antidepressants are on the rise, according to Dr Van Tulleken. According to some researchers, this is how cold water swimming helps with depression.
Cold Water Activates Stress Response In The Body [1]
Cold
water
swimming
evokes
a
stress
response
which
is
a
set
of
physiological
and
hormonal
reactions
that
help
to
manage
many
types
of
potential
threats.
When
you
swim
in
cold
water,
there
is
an
increase
in
blood
pressure,
breathing
rate
and
stress
hormones
start
releasing.
But,
if
you
immerse
in
cold
water
only
for
a
few
times
of
15
degrees
Celsius
or
less,
the
stress
response
is
reduced.
Cold Water Activates The Brain [1]
Exposing yourself to cold water swimming acts as a shock treatment that triggers beta-endorphin and noradrenaline in the brain. The shock of the cold water is quite similar to electrical shock treatment in many ways. Large quantities of electrical impulses travel from the nerve endings of the skin to reach the brain. They jolt your system to increase the energy levels, clarity and alertness. This reaction can have a beneficial effect on depression.
Cold Showers Help In Dealing With Anxiety [1]
Researchers found that cold water shower has a positive effect in lowering the cortisol hormone which is the stress hormone that kicks in when tension and anxiety take over. The cold water causes the blood vessels to tighten up which improves blood circulation from the body's surface to the core in order to conserve heat. As the blood travels to the brain and vital organs in the body, there is oxygen circulation which helps in detoxification, making you feel relaxed and energised.
10 Brilliant Benefits Of Swimming You Should Know
Tips To Get Started With Cold Water Swimming
- If you are suffering from migraines and heart problems, check with your doctor first before you start cold water swimming.
- Make sure that the temperature of the water is between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius.
- Start swimming in shallow water and gradually go deeper.
- Stay for two to three minutes till you feel warm and evoke a cold water shock response.
- [1] van Tulleken, C., Tipton, M., Massey, H., & Harper, C. M. (2018). Open water swimming as a treatment for major depressive disorder. BMJ case reports, 2018, bcr-2018.
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