Swimming influences the brain and strengthens mental health

We all know how relaxing swimming can be. It allows you to enter the muscles with more oxygen and makes you regulate your breathing. Swimming is also a great way to reduce stress. Being under water, you seem to be in another world. Water distorts the sky above your head, and the sun's rays create an unusual pattern on the bottom of the pool. Therefore, it is not surprising that swimming is a favorite sport for many people.

How does the brain react when swimming?

Swimming is a meditative exercise. The functions of your brain are improved by a process known as hippocampal neurogenesis, during which your brain replaces the cells lost as a result of stress. When you get into the water, your mood immediately rises thanks to the coolness of the water, making you free from fatigue and depression.

A recent study conducted by Dr. Howard Carter of the University of Western Australia (School of Sports Science) shows how the brain reacts during the voyage. A team of scientists led by Carter suggested that immersion in water to the level of the right atrium can increase the flow of blood to the brain. The right atrium is on the upper right side of the heart and is one of four hollow chambers of the heart. It receives blood from two large veins: the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava. The work of both these veins is to return blood to provide oxygen to the various organs in the body. Blood, which then returns to the heart, has a low oxygen content. The coronary sinus (the smaller vein in the wall of the heart) also pushes the blood into the right atrium.

"We found that blood flow to the brain was higher when participants in the study were immersed in water to the level of the heart, compared to when they were on the ground. This is the foundation for further study of the effect of swimming on the health of cerebral vessels, "said Dr. Howard Carter.

When the study participants were immersed in water, the blood flow in their middle cerebral artery increased by 14%, and blood flow to the posterior cerebral artery - by 9%.

"Water sports such as aerobics and swimming have different effects on the function of the heart and cerebral blood flow," Carter said.

In addition, swimming can improve your mental well-being.

It can help you release external stimuli

Once you are immersed in water, external sounds are cut off. The only thing that you feel is the water on your skin. And you focus on the breath, at the bottom of the pool, and the lightness of the water. Everything becomes much easier when you are swimming.

This is a great form of exercise

Slipping into the water column makes your heart work hard. Swimming is also great for muscles and lungs, but it has a low impact on the joints. When you take care of your body, emotional well-being improves significantly. Swimming several times a week is a great way to improve your mood and enjoy your workout.

Swimming releases endorphins

During such water training your brain produces hormones of well-being that are called endorphins. Swimming can also prevent the production of stress hormones. The new growth of brain cells as a result also promotes freedom from stress.