Childrens Mental Health 2024

Swimming is proven to be one of the best forms of exercise, not only to help a child’s physical health but also their mental well-being.

It’s important to know how much of a role swimming can play in helping children recover or improve their mental health and regain their fitness and well-being.

So, let’s remind ourselves of all the benefits of swimming….

Physical

The characteristic properties of water mean that swimming is a low-impact form of exercise.  Working the whole body, which is amazing for a child’s physical development.

There have been countless studies to show that swimming helps anyone at every age including babies and toddlers physically, emotionally, intellectually and socially.  Swimming encourages healthy growth and helps with the development of strength, coordination and balance, all while equipping them with key water safety skills.

Brain

Research has found that children who learn to swim earlier reach major cognitive developmental milestones much sooner,  including speech, literacy, numeracy and visual-motor skills.

One study states: “Children who learn to swim by the age of five gain significant developmental advantages compared with children who don’t start the activity at a young age.”

It all comes from the increased blood flow from swimming which helps to improve memory, mood, clarity, and focus.  Also leading to help children to sleep better, which in return helps with daily stress and behaviour.

Stress Relief

Swimming is an activity to combat health and anxiety and one that the NHS continues to prescribe to this day. During any exercise the endorphins which are released combat the stress hormones released by the body – and evidence also suggests that cold open water swimming can help to increase this even further.

The rhythmic actions of swimming, heart rates, blood pressure and breathing rates can all work positively to counter-effect the symptoms of stress.

The Power of Water

Just being near, in, or on the water can make you happier, healthier, more connected, and better at what you do.

We have trained instructors waiting to help people of all ages get in the pool and reap the benefits of swimming.  So let’s start with a positive decision to help improve both your physical and mental health.  Just get in touch here