Often, we can forget just how important our mental health really is. As adults, we know that going for a walk to clear our heads, talking to someone, reading a book or going to the doctors can help us feel better about what we are thinking or how we are feeling. But what about children?
Mental health can be defined two ways: mental wellbeing and mental illness. Mental wellbeing covers areas in life such as optimism, self-esteem, feelings of being in and out of control, life satisfaction.
Mental illness refers to a diagnosable condition. It will have a huge impact on a person’s ability to function, both physically and socially. Mental illness interferes with thought process, emotions and ability to interact socially. Illnesses include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and psychoses. [1]
According to Good Childhood Report 2022, UK children’s happiness with their lives continues to decline and more children are unhappy with their appearance than with family, friends, school and schoolwork. It is estimated that five children in a classroom of 30 are likely to have a mental health problem [2]
Some children find it more difficult to express their emotions or share their thoughts verbally with others and therefore it is important to keep them active and provide enjoyment whilst doing so.
So, how can swimming improve your child’s mental health?
Any kind of physical activity can significantly help improve mental health but swimming is particularly effective as it has the unique benefit, being a water-based sport. Water activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which drives ‘rest and digest’ conditions in our body. When you are in this state, your body naturally relaxes with lower heart rate and blood pressure.
Swimming is intrinsically calming, and because of its repetitive nature, it produces a feeling of “letting go”, by which you can press the “PAUSE” button and forget your daily worries for a while, leading to massive mental health benefits. The energy expended and being immersed in water triggers the body to secrete endorphins that produce a general feeling of well-being and calm.
Swimming requires the alternating stretch and relaxation of skeletal muscles whilst simultaneously deep-breathing in a rhythmic pattern. Swimming for only 30 minutes up to three times a week can help improve moods, lower stress levels, increase confidence, improve sleeping patterns and keep the mind active in a positive way. Swimming is also a very sociable and fun way for children to keep physically fit and meet new friends.
“I absolutely believe swimming can serve as a kind of medicine. For me, it represents a potent adjunct to antidepressant medications and, for some patients, it’s something you can take in lieu of pills.” – Moby Coquillard, a psychotherapist and swimmer. [3]
So, let’s strengthen your child’s mental health and get them in the water!
References –
[1] https://www.swimming.org/justswim/swimming-improves-mental-health/
[2] https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/good-childhood
[3] https://thereseborchard.com/just-keep-swimming-how-swimming-reduces-depression/