Recently, I found myself at a crossroads with an activity that has brought me immense joy and resilience - cold water swimming. For those who haven't experienced it, there's something profoundly invigorating about the shock of cold water, the sense of accomplishment as your body adapts, and the clarity that follows a swim in nature’s chilly reservoirs, waterfalls, lochs and seas. But as with all powerful practices, it’s essential to approach it with care, especially when life throws additional challenges your way.

The Toll of Biological Stressors

In the past few months, I've been dealing with a variety of biological stressors that have taken a toll on my body and mind. Whether it was the result of poor sleep, yeast infection in my gut, nutritional deficiencies, or simply the accumulated stress of daily life, my body was sending clear signals that it was overwhelmed. I began to notice signs of burnout - fatigue, dizziness, weakened immunity, and an overall sense of depletion. Despite these signals, I was eager to continue with my routine, including my cold-water swims. However, it soon became clear that what was once a feel-good practice had become quite dangerous for me. The cold water, which I once embraced as a source of strength, now felt like a shock my body couldn’t fully recover from.

Lisa Proudfoot: Release Therapies Coaching

The Yin Approach to Healing 

Recognising the risks, I made the difficult decision to step back from cold water swimming and focus on healing. This is where the yin approach came into play. Yin, with its emphasis on stillness, gentleness, and grounding was exactly what I needed to rebuild my energy reserves. I shifted my focus to practices that nurtured rather than challenged my body. Slow, mindful movements from Qi-gong, journaling, breath work, anti-inflammatory foods, supplements, hydration and plenty of rest became my new routine. Instead of pushing myself, I allowed myself to simply be, giving my body the space it needed to recover. This period of gentle self-care allowed my body to heal and gradually restore its energy.

Lisa Proudfoot: Release Therapies Coaching

A Cautionary Note for Fellow Cold Water Enthusiasts

If you find yourself dealing with similar stressors - whether physical, emotional, or biological - I urge you to consider the state of your health before plunging into cold water swimming. This practice, while beneficial for many, demands a certain level of physical resilience. When your body is already under stress, the additional strain of cold water can be more than it can handle, potentially leading to further depletion or health problems. Cold water swimming should not be a form of punishment or a test of endurance when your body is already struggling. Instead, it's crucial to honour where you are in your health journey. If you’re not in the best place, take a step back. Rest, recover, and heal first. Only once you feel your energy returning and your health stabilising should you consider returning to the cold water.

Returning to the Water - Stronger and Wiser

As I write this, I’m slowly making my way back to cold water swimming. But I do so with a new awareness and respect for my body’s signals. The time I spent focusing on yin practices wasn’t a setback; it was a crucial step in ensuring that when I returned to the water, I could do so safely and sustainably. In conclusion, if you're dealing with biological stressors, take it from someone who has been there: it’s okay to step back. Listen to your body, embrace the yin approach to healing, and trust that the water will be there waiting for you when you’re truly ready to dive in again. Your health and wellbeing are the foundation upon which all other practices should be built. Stay mindful, stay safe, and remember - sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is to allow yourself to rest and heal.

Lisa Proudfoot

Release Therapies Coaching

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