Step out of your comfort zone this winter
Environment charity The Rivers Trust reminds us of the empowering nature of outdoor swimming in the colder months, and how this can lead to positive changes for our blue spaces
As we move into November, cold water season is well and truly upon us. Suddenly, preparing for a swim involves packing as many layers of clothing as you can carry, thermoses full of hot drinks, and any other creature comforts that help you find the motivation to immerse yourself in water under 10 degrees.
At this time of year, outdoor swimmers often face comments along the lines of “you must be mad” or “I can’t think of anything worse”. But alongside the much-vaunted mental and physical health benefits of swimming in cold water, it’s important not to understate just how empowering outdoor swimming is.
A feeling of control
Whether it’s running a marathon, jumping out of a plane, or taking the cold water plunge, the immense sense of achievement that results from going out of your comfort zone makes you feel like you can tackle anything. It gives a feeling of control that is difficult to come by in modern life, especially for those who are prone to stress and anxiety.
This is a lesson that can be transferred to other aspects of life. In the environment sector, we’re hearing more and more about people suffering from eco-anxiety – the feeling of doom and/or guilt over our climate and nature crises. Messaging about the threats our planet is facing can inadvertently lead people to a feeling of paralysis and helplessness in the face of the problem.
Join the March for Clean Water
That’s why, at The Rivers Trust, we try to avoid “doomism” and focus on solutions. We want to empower people and communities by informing them about the potential solutions to environmental issues and inviting them to get involved. That could be through volunteering, donating money, supporting our advocacy campaigns, or even joining us at the March for Clean Water on 3 November in London.
However you choose to act, doing something for the environment can help transform the idea of a climate and nature-positive future from science fiction to reality.
Visit theriverstrust.org to discover ways you can protect our blue spaces.