Today is the 6th anniversary of my youngest sister Rachel’s suicide and I thought it appropriate to share some of the benefits of cold water swimming and why I do it.

Firstly because it most definitely improves your mental wellbeing. A study has shown it can lead to an ‘immediate improvement in mood following each swim and a sustained and gradual reduction in symptoms of depression.'

It can also reduce ‘bad’ body fat [white adipose tissue] and has a positive im-pact on ‘good’ body fat [brown adipose tissue], which is activated by cold ex-posure and can protect against obesity and conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

It increases your heart rate and can help weight loss, improve your libido and boost your immune system.

What's not to like?

For me also I love a challenge and pushing through my fears, which in itself gives me a high and a feeling of achievement.

Not to mention the lovely bunch of friends that encourage me to keep going even when it's -5 outside and we're swimming through ice [see the pics], and the friendly, supportive community of people at Bray Lake.

Taking up cold water swimming has been one of the highlights of 2022 for me and has now become a regular habit.

See you at the lake soon? DM me if you'd like to join us.