I’ve always known that I climb out of any pool a lot happier than when I dove in.
Yes, I know any kind of aerobic exercise relieves depression.
For starters, it stimulates brain chemicals that foster the growth of nerve cells; exercise also affects neurotransmitters such as serotonin that influence mood and produces ANP, a stress-reducing hormone, which helps control the brain’s response to stress and anxiety. But swimming, for me, seems to zap a bad mood more efficiently than even running. Swimming a good 3000 meters for me can, in the midst of a depressive cycle, hush the dead thoughts for up to two hours. It’s like taking a Tylenol for a headache! It was with interest, then, that I read an article in “Swimmer” magazine about why, in fact, that’s the case.
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Walking the dog in the bush has teh same effect on me.
I find it mystifying how people report feeling better with exercise – even simply taking a walk. For me – not so much. I have never found walking beneficial, it only gave me more time to think. I can’t stand running unless it is to save my life. I work in a physical environment – walk all day long and not a slow stroll either, when I walk people have difficulty keeping up with me, I work lifting heavy things and generally work physically very hard- doesn’t improve my mood. I have always felt – for me, anyway, that I need an activity that requires my full attention so that it pulls me away from myself. I wish that walking or anything else like that helped. I have tried swimming too and although I thourghly enjoy swimming and can do it for hours if the water is warm enough – still does improve my mood, which is too bad for me. However, I am glad to learn that it works for others so well. It’s nice to have that in your tool-box of things that help.
wow… 3000 meters. I usually do about half that and I feel good. I really like to swim.
Your article makes good sense, and as our younger population has become less active with exercise, it is no wonder that depression and anxiety has been on the increase.
Swimming for me has always been relaxing and great exercise. I hadn’t put the two together, swimming and depression. No wonder I feel awesome when I get out of the pool.