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I swim in cold water, every day if possible and ideally before work in the morning. This has been a game changer in terms of reducing anxiety, being much better
by craigr1972 7y ago
I swim in cold water, every day if possible and ideally before work in the morning. This has been a game changer in terms of reducing anxiety, being much better able to cope with difficulties and frankly, making me into a much happier and healthier version of myself. So much so that if I don't get in the cold water for a day or two then I just feel like .. bleurgh. If you've read "Flowers for Algernon" and recall towards the end where (spoiler alert) the main character has come off the drug that makes him much more intelligent and crucially - he can't remember what it was that had happened to him, just that he had a sense of loss from no longer having some <very very good> - that's what this is like. Can't recommend enough. I also use running for the same purpose, but cold water swimming in just a couple of minutes provides a tremendous dose of <good things.> Also it seems to stop me catching colds.
- not_smart 7y agoThanks for taking the time to reply. I have tried running but like everything else, I give up after a few days. And also when running my mind is still racing with me...
- craigr1972 7y agoRunning with people is even better than running alone if it's an option for you. Communities like "Park Run" and "Good Gymn" and no doubt many others multiply the benefits of simply running.
- East-Link 7y agoThere's nowhere I could easily swim, would showering in cold water help?
- craigr1972 7y agoYes absolutely - cold showering is great in the same ways. There are plenty people out there who do this every day also. Personally I prefer a cold bath to a cold shower as I like the instant hit of more full immersion, but there's not always time for a bath!
- owurkan 7y agoCold showers can be a way to regain control through positive morning priming. I wrote this how-to a few years ago: https://medium.com/the-mission/a-year-of-cold-showers-662ec6d73454 https://medium.com/the-mission/a-year-of-cold-showers-662ec6...
- craigr1972 7y agoWhat a great article !