5 Mental Health Benefits of Swimming

It’s well documented that exercise is a great stress reliever. Swimming, in particular, is good for both mental and physical health. Why is this form of exercise so beneficial? Let’s take a look at some of the ways going for a swim can help to alleviate depression, anxiety, and stress for people of all ages.

• Swimming boosts your endorphins. Did you know that exercise encourages our bodies to produce feel-good hormones and chemicals? Swimming can trigger the release of serotonin and endorphins in your brain, boosting your mood and providing you with a burst of energy.
• Swimming is a full-body exercise. Swimming burns almost as many calories as running, without the impact of feet hitting pavement. It’s an extremely effective cardiovascular workout that incorporates the muscles in your whole body. As an added bonus, expending energy by swimming during the day can help you sleep better at night.
• Swimming is a relaxing pursuit. Swimming requires long muscle movements and deep breathing, which have been shown to promote relaxation and increase feelings of positivity. It’s not unlike yoga in the way it stimulates nerve cell growth and stress-reducing hormones, making the swimmer feel calm and peaceful.
• Swimming is a nice break from screen time. It is increasingly difficult to get away from technology and often, even at the gym, we’re glued to a screen or plugged into a device. Swimming gives people a break from this overstimulation because you have to unplug to swim. Setting aside this quiet time for your brain is important because it alleviates the emotional stress that comes with the urgency of technology.
• Swimming is an equal opportunity exercise. You don’t have to be an athlete to reap the benefits of swimming; it’s inclusive for everyone, regardless of age or ability. It’s not a weight bearing exercise, so even people who have painful joints, an injury, or a disability can swim without pain. In fact, hydrotherapy is an effective way to ease chronic pain or speed rehabilitation, using physical therapy practices. Because water offers a feeling of weightlessness, swimmers who participate in hydrotherapy can often perform exercises that they would find too difficult to execute outside of the water.

Having a pool is a good stress reliever because it makes it easy to go for a swim whenever you have a few minutes of free time. To make owning a pool less stressful, trust Millennium Pool Service to help you take care of your pool. With over 30 combined years of experience in the pool industry, we provide a comprehensive range of services for both residential and commercial customers in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland. When you hire Millennium Pool Service, you get a well-qualified, industry-trained staff, services that are tailored to your needs, and a commitment to 100% customer satisfaction. In Virginia, call 703. 939. 5062, in Maryland, call 301. 591. 3750, or you can contact us through our website.