The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is Movement: Moving more for our mental health! In recognition of this year’s theme, we caught up with swimmer Jonathon Hardy from the Cambridge Swimming Company to hear how wild swimming can boost your mood and we signpost to resources to support you.

Dozens of new wild swimming spots in England are being designated as bathing waters ahead of the summer and will immediately benefit from regular water quality monitoring, the government announced on Monday 13^th May.

Following a public consultation, 27 new bathing water sites will be available. The new sites will take the total number of bathing waters to 451 across England – the highest number to date.

Taking the plunge

Outdoor swimming does not need to involve actual swimming! It just needs to be outside and in water that isn’t heated to above 20 degrees.

One of the most important things you can do to help protect your mental health is regular movement. Moving more can increase your energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost your self-esteem.

So how does wild swimming support mental health?

Being in nature, like green or blue spaces (like near water), seems to help mental health. Activities in nature, called “green exercise,” have helped many people feel better.

We couldn’t wait to find out more about the wild swimming community and how it has a calming effect on the mind. Jonathon ‘Jof’ Hardy was a competitive youth swimmer and has been an open water swimmer all his life. He now runs regular sessions at The Cambridge Swimming Company, including training sessions at the infamous Jesus Green Lido. “I genuinely don’t think there is a better sport for raising your mood and being as inclusive to everyone in society, begins Jonathon. “When I’m in the water, I feel free. Once you get in – there will be ducks, swans, and if you’re a bit more adventurous possibly even otters. I’ve come head-on with a pike before, that was interesting!”

Jonathon continues, “If you’re stressed and your world is getting on top on your shoulders, then swimming can be an amazing distraction and focus, because it’s so technical. It doesn’t matter what stroke it is; they all have their own techniques that you need to master. If you’re thinking your way through that, you can just switch off from everything. It’s the perfect distraction and of course there is the endorphin boost.”

Swim coach Jonathon has seen the incredible difference that swimming has had on people’s mood. “I can remember people being timid when they first joined the group, he recalls. People can be anxious about getting in the water and being able to swim either the distance or the speed. However, after two to three sessions, people opened up completely. I feel like it happens quicker in open water swimming because it’s just so different. A huge shift happens in your brain when you get in the water. Our coach Sophie runs inclusive sessions on Thursday evenings for wheelchair users and we are working to encourage as many people as possible to sign up. I had the incredible experience of coaching a visually impaired swimmer – it was incredibly rewarding.”

The Cambridge Swimming Company is part of a new two-year study, called OUTSIDE, which has been funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and seeks to explore the link between depression and wild swimming. Results are expected to be published later this year.

Supporting your movement journey

• The Mental Health Foundation has put together guide and tips to help you move more. Remember that movement looks different to everyone. Visit The Mental Health Foundation website for more information.
• National Mind has created a resource to explain the relationship between physical activity, exercise and mental health. Visit the National Mind website to read more.
• Be Well in Cambridgeshire offers advice to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep well. Visit the Be Well website to find out more.
• One You Lincolnshire offers exercise, stop smoking and drink less programmes to help you in your journey to become a healthier, happier you. Visit the One You Lincolnshire website to read more.
• Living Sport is an independent charity focused on improving the health, happiness, and wellbeing of the people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Visit the Living Sport website to learn more about the charity.