MÅNI Words I Cold swims

This weekend, I finally went winter bathing with my dear friend Isabel! I have really been thinking about it for a long time, that I should try it even though I don't have access to a sauna at home.

The women who already take cold baths down by the dock where I live swim regardless of whether they can jump into a warm sauna before and after.

Instead of waiting and booking sauna time at the nearby outdoor bath, we decided to get it done - to swim!

The health benefits are said to be endless, and some of them actually came immediately. The fact that we dared to dive in and that it felt better than expected made the endorphins in our bodies surge.

A tip is not to think too much beforehand but to calmly just do it once you're there. Once in the water, it's important to take deep breaths and trust that your body can handle the cold, because it can.

The professionals stay in the water for 2-3 minutes, and even though my first dip only lasted a few seconds, it doesn't feel strange to try being in for much longer next time.

We had both changed into swimwear and warm, loosely fitting clothes beforehand (which are easy to take on and off) and packed a waterproof bag. Here are some tips on things to bring with you:

Bathrobe

Bath towel

Something to stand on, a small towel, a blanket, or a seat cushion

Warm socks

Gloves

Hat

Thermos with a hot drink

Since we bathed with mittens and thick socks, it's good to bring extra to put on right after the bath.

The feeling of coming out of four-degree water and not freezing is incredible, but it's important to quickly change and get some warming tea.

Some health benefits:

• Levels of stress hormones decrease

• The immune system is strengthened

• Sleep improves (when the endorphin boost and all the excitement settled down, I felt so tired and slept really well when I went to bed)

• The ability to manage stress and anxiety improves

Translation

I received many positive comments on Instagram from friends who want to try or who would love to meet and swim. I got the idea to start a winter swimming club, and maybe that will happen. What a nice way to socialize! I will get back to you on how it goes. Regardless, Isabel and I have decided to meet and swim again soon!

Translation

I also want to mention my brave friend Susanne from Måni, whom I thought of before this weekend's swim. She went winter bathing almost two years ago, while I just stood behind the camera and stayed in the background. Hopefully, there will be more swims soon, even together with her! <3 You can find the pictures here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLAJnvEpFfi/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY%3D

If you have any tips or questions, please write; I want to hear if you do cold baths or are interested in trying it out!