Friday, 14th June 2019
We’ve already looked at why swimming is great for strength, weight loss and flexibility, and this week we’re looking at how it can reduce stress and help you sleep better… it’s just another reason why this exercise is so great!
There aren’t many exercises that are as calming or as refreshing as swimming. As we’ve looked at in the previous blogs in this series, swimming is great for toning muscles and losing weight, but did you know that it can have a positive impact on your mental well-being too?
The refreshing, soothing water, the constant movement while you swim, the regulated breathing… they all help to reduce stress!
When you’re swimming laps of the pool, more oxygen flows to your muscles and you’re forced to regulate your breathing when you’re coming up for air. This all helps to improve brain functions which means your brain will replace lost cells caused by stress. Basically, swimming is great for relaxing and taking a little time out to feel calm.
As a result, this can help you sleep better.
The struggles and pressures of daily life can mean our quality of sleep isn’t always great, but swimming for just 20 minutes every day can really help your sleep patterns improve. Thanks to the reduced stress and working the muscles in your body, you’ll find after a good swim that you’re feeling tired (and pretty great after all that exercise).
So, even though swimming is refreshing, it helps to clear your mind and make you feel calmer. After all, a relaxed mind sleeps better than a stressed one.
If you’re thinking of taking a dip, we’ve got three pools for you to choose from – West Craven Sports Centre in Barnoldswick, Pendle Leisure Centre in Colne and Pendle Wavelengths in Nelson.
Read more from this blog series...