What if the secret to feeling happier, calmer, and more confident was as simple as diving into cold water? For one Eastbourne group, cold water swimming has become more than just a bracing activity- it’s a powerful way to boost dopamine, reduce stress, and build mental resilience. In this blog, we explore how this chilly ritual is creating warm connections and healthier minds, one swim at a time.
he combination of cold water and being immersed in nature helps to strengthen the connection between body and mind, promoting a sense of presence and grounding. This can be especially powerful for those living with depression, PTSD, or anxiety, where feeling "trapped in your own mind" is a common experience. Many cold water swimmers describe the sensation as a natural high that lasts all day.
From ice bath plunges and wild lakes to rivers, outdoor pools, or even cold showers- there are many ways to take the plunge. But for Eastbourne-based group The Double Dippers, the sea is their cold water of choice.
The Double Dippers are a sea swimming group that started two years ago and has been growing ever since. The group swims all year round in all weather conditions in order to feel the benefits of cold-water swimming.
The group started as just a few friends going in the sea for charity in order to raise money and awareness for Group B Strep Support, an organisation that works towards preventing Group B Strep infection in babies. But since then, more and more have joined the group and it has become The Double Dippers. They meet up and swim multiple times a week and their only rule is you must go into the sea twice!
Kate Laws, member of the Double Dippers said: “It’s like a free high, you could be in a bad mood but then you go into the sea and come back out and feel much more positive which will last for most of the day. Being a part of a group like the Double Dippers helps with the positivity by being around lovely people all sharing the same love for the sea and it’s just a really great opportunity to get together, have a chat and feel good.”
Swimming groups are known for their welcoming and inclusive nature, making them a great way to build a strong sense of community. Being part of such a group can have a profound impact on mental health, offering a sense of belonging, shared identity, and emotional support. Having a reliable support network around you isn’t just comforting, it’s essential for overall wellbeing.
Terri Brown, member of the Double Dippers said: “It makes you feel more alive and more grounded and less aware of your own stuff. It’s really fun being part of a group and when it’s cold in the sea you don’t always particularly want to go in but when you’re with others it eggs you on. If you’re by yourself you’ll probably chicken out.”
When you immerse yourself in icy cold water, it sends your nervous system in your brain into overload. The nerve endings send responses to your brain so it can detect which parts of your body are cold. The brain only has a limited bandwidth and with this intensity there is no room for other thoughts about worries, stress and anxieties. This enables a sense of mindfulness by allowing a person to focus on the present moment.
Nature’s waters can be beautiful and refreshing, but they come with their own set of risks. Always swim with caution- be aware of currents and weather conditions. Stick to designated swimming areas, never swim alone, and make sure you’re familiar with the water’s depth and potential hazards. Your safety should always come first!
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