How to Deal With Anxiety, Depression and ADHD Through Swimming

Want to spice up your mood when you feel bummed out?
Want to put a bit of sunshine in your life?
Want to have a sense of focus in a world of chaos?
Let’s face it, we all want to improve our mental health. It is not as simple as just forgetting all our problems and stressors. We need to be way more proactive. Physical activity (especially swimming) may be the answer as it has shown to increase endorphin levels (the bodies natural “happy juice”).
 

Swimming Can Get You Pumped About Life

Like any other activity out there, swimming can get the blood pumping. But unlike any other activity, swimming does it better!
A full body workout mingled with resistance training, swimming kicks our bodies into overload.
Imagine you just start your swim, heart rate is low, though steadily building, you finish your second lap, and Boom! Your heart rate passes it’s aerobic threshold.
You are now in a zone designed for burning fat and building muscle. This is when your brain pumps serotonin and other fun chemicals. Worries and stress flee away, lifting our spirits, and balancing the negative effects of depression. This miraculous practice is often referred to as EOOD, or “Exercise Out Of Depression”.
 

The Great Outdoors Has the Best Swim Lanes

What?! Rivers, lakes and the ocean are dirty. Right? Surprisingly, swimming outside can be very beneficial to our health.
Those of us that suffer from seasonal depression need to get out every once in awhile. The sunlight and the fresh air will reduce stress levels, and boost your attitude.
Depending on where you live, the cold water has been found to increase blood flow, and stimulate “feel good” hormones.
 

Is Swimming Good for My Uncontrollable Wiggles?

In the last five years, there have been studies trying to show that swimming may be a good therapy option for attention disorders, such as ADD or ADHD.
Michael Phelps credits swimming for helping him with his childhood ADHD.
Other than the general exercise benefits to the brain, swimming may also help improve concentration, and mental alertness.

In Conclusion