Exercising in the water is wonderful for you physically. It helps build core strength, is easy on your joints, and allows you to work multiple muscles at the same time. But did you know that water exercise is also good for your mental health? Whether you participate in water aerobics classes, do some aqua dancing, or swim laps, here are some of the mental health benefits you can look forward to.
Stress Relief
Between work obligations and family life, do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by stress? When this happens, it's helpful to take a step back and do something that is purely for you. Water exercise can be that "thing" you treat yourself to when your stress levels are starting to climb. It provides an escape from the daily grind. By forcing you to focus on your body, it can help stop the ruminating thoughts that often make stress worse.
Exercise, including water exercise, also triggers the release of endorphins. These hormones can make you feel more peaceful and at-ease, even hours after you step out of the pool.
Better Sleep
Good sleep is so important for your mental health. If you're not sleeping well, you may find yourself feeling generally cranky and irritable. Your temper may grow short, and you may have trouble focusing. Gentle exercise, such as water exercise, can help you get better sleep at night. Exercise helps regulate your body's production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. After a good pool workout, you should have an easier time drifting off, and you should then wake up feeling more refreshed and like a better version of yourself.
Relief From Depression
Depression can be really difficult to manage. If you believe you may be depressed, you should seek treatment from a qualified physician. Medications and therapy can help get you back on track, but they don't always relieve your depression entirely.
Spending time in the water can help you fight the symptoms that linger even with treatment. Those same endorphins that reduce stress levels can also help ease depression. Plus, getting out there and socializing with others in your water aerobics classes can help elevate your mood and get you thinking more positively again.
Improved Self-Confidence
Exercising in the pool can help you feel more self-confident in your own skin. You can take pride in the fact that you're taking care of your body and dedicating time to self-care. And, as you continue to exercise, you will likely notice your body change in response. Having a more toned figure will help you feel more confident in your clothing, and that self-confidence will shine through at work and in social settings.
Setting goals and working towards them in the pool, specifically, can be good for your confidence. Maybe your goal is to swim 20 laps, or perhaps you want to lose 5 pounds in the next month. Working towards this goal, and eventually achieving it, will reaffirm that you're capable of anything and worthy of the recognition you receive in life.
If you are looking for a way to improve your mental and physical health, head to a local pool, and dive in. Water exercise is ideal for people of all ages, sizes, and abilities. You can ease your way into it, taking things slowly as your body adapts. Over time, you will notice that your body and mind change for the better.
If you'd like some supportive swimwear for your pool exercise sessions, check out the options from H2O Wear. Our chlorine-resistant swimwear will give you the confidence to shoot for the stars in your next workout.
