Finswimming releases endorphins and serotonin, which are natural mood boosters and stress relievers.
Stress Hormone Reduction:
Finswimming can help reduce the levels of stress hormones like cortisol in the body, which are often elevated in people with anxiety and depression.
Mindfulness & Present Moment Awareness:
The focus required for finswimmingfeeling the water, and navigating your surroundings can help you stay grounded in the present moment, reducing anxious thoughts and worries.
Improved Mood & Well-being:
By engaging multiple senses and providing a mental respite from daily stimuli, finswimming can have immediate positive effects on mood and contribute to long-term improvements in mental health.
Boosts Brain Health:
Regular aerobic exercise, like finswimming, increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that promotes brain cell survival and growth, which can impact mood regulation.
How Finswimming Adds To These Benefits:
Increased Exertion:
Fins can increase the intensity of your swimming workout, leading to a greater release of endorphins and a more significant impact on stress and mood.
Focus on Movement:
The added challenge of using fins can further enhance the mindfulness aspect of swimming, requiring even more focus on body movement.
Engaging Senses:
Finswimming can be a highly engaging activity, and the extra effort can provide a greater sense of presence in the water and a stronger connection to your physical sensations, all of which contribute to reducing anxiety.