A bracing start to the New Year

Happy new year everyone, would anyone like to join me to try wild coldwater swimming on the Jericho side of Port Meadow? Even if you just dip your toes in! I'm longing to try this super-health activity but too scared to do it on my own! If you'd like to join me once a week at around 10.30am, click this link to the Jericho Gigglers or message Kiki on 07769701683. Free to join.

You don't have to get your whole body in the cold water. It's ok to go in to just your feet or legs, or paddle in shallow area. You can wear a woolly hat too if you like. The best thing is our giggling gasps and camaraderie of derring do & laughter! Bring your flask of tea/coffee/hot chocolate, a snack, a towel and very warm clothing

The science behind the idea of cold water swimming and being outdoors says this it  is not just beneficial for our physical health, but it may also be beneficial for our mental wellbeing. 

Research in the British Medical Journal  found that coldwater swimming may be an effective treatment for depression, grief, work or other stresses, loneliness, feeling older or just wanting to feel fitter. The theory behind this is that one form of stress – ie the shock of cold water – adapts the body for another, in this case the stress response associated with depression and anxiety. It's a fascinating evolutionary gift.