Consider adding swimming to your exercise routine. It offers several benefits for your mind and body that extend beyond the obvious. Simply being near a body of water may help lower stress and increase your overall sense of well-being and happiness, according to the research behind the “blue mind” theory, coined by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols. Compared to exercising at home or in a gym, swimming might give you more joy, and in turn, more likely to do it again. Some more benefits:
It occupies your mind. Swimming may encourage you to stay present, since you have to focus on your breathing, how many laps you’ve completed, and your proximity to other swimmers.
Regulates your breathing. You have to inhale and exhale evenly as you go, maintaining a consistent breathing pattern.
Drives blood flow to your brain. Simply being immersed in the water has been found to help circulate blood. Like all exercise, swimming also releases endorphins, the feel-good neurotransmitters.
Engages the senses: sight, sound, touch, and smell. Plus it also requires a disconnect from technology: no headphones or staring at screens.
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