Embracing the cold: Louise Chambers for #MHAW

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we explore the captivating world of cold-water swimming through one of our exceptional employees, Louise Chambers. She has practised in various countries across the globe, as it has become a powerful tool for nurturing her mental well-being. Today, she shares how she takes responsibility for herself, keeps safe in the water, and all its benefits to the body and mind! 

​First things first; personal safety! Louise recognises the risk and tells us how she never ventures alone, always ensuring she has a trusted companion present, even if they remain on the shore. Other factors she always considers include tide schedules, weather conditions, suitable entry and exit points, and water quality checking using the 'Surfers Against Sewage' App. Nobody wants a stinky swim!

With each step towards the water, Louise is mindful of her body's response to the cold, particularly in the coldest months. While the initial moments may present discomfort, she overcomes this stress reaction as she acclimates to the temperature and carefully manages her time in the water. 

Louise equips herself with essential gear, such as a swimsuit suitable for year-round swimming or a wetsuit for added buoyancy and prolonged immersion. Neoprene gloves and boots offer protection from the cold's grip on her hands and feet. To enhance visibility, Louise dons a brightly coloured t-shirt and relies on a tow float, providing extra buoyancy. She ensures her head stays warm with a swimming hat or a cosy woolly hat, while a waterproof pouch safeguards her phone. 

Cold water swimming goes beyond physical exercise - it serves as a powerful source of mental well-being. Louise shares, "I feel alive and free!" The sea awakens a profound sense of freedom, flooding her system with serotonin (the "feel-good" hormone) and endorphins, uplifting her spirits and evoking a sense of achievement. There are buckets of benefits that Louise has embraced; it acts as a potent stress reliever, providing respite from worrisome thoughts and allowing her to fully embrace the present moment whilst easing inflammation, aches and pains.

Through solace, empowerment, and renewed vitality, Louise shares her story as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of self-care during this critical week of awareness.

​Written by Lizzie Williams