
Monkey Bathing
Flow
Throughout history, humans have immersed themselves in natural bodies of water such as hot springs for therapeutic purposes (Foley, 2015, p.218). Many swimmers nowadays continue this tradition by taking to the water for many cures of physical and mental ailments. Part of the benefits of swimming is that it allows the opportunity for experiencing flow or optimal experience (Jackson & Csíkszentmihályi, 1999, p.4). It gives people the opportunity to forget about themselves, their problems, or any other stressors and to simply focus on the task at hand. For this reason, swimming is also an internally motivating activity, because it heals the mind and strengthens the body. In a study done by Huttunen, Kokko, & Ylijukuri, (2004), winter swimmers showed increased energy and a stronger feeling of control and confidence, which is required for flow, compared to the non-swimming control group, as well as a boosted self-esteem (p.141-142). During a flow state, you won’t be aware of the feeling that you’re “in the zone”, but after swimming you’ll be able to reflect and notice the happiness that swimming had brought (Jackson & Csíkszentmihályi, 1999, p. 152)
“I make my usual hesitant entry into the water down the steps. It’s one body part at a time, anticipating the cold on the more vulnerable bits – goolies (testicles), chest, shoulders – but I get in more quickly than usual. I stick by head in the water and swim around 15 crawl strokes out and stop. Lifting my head out of the water and looking back at land, I see swimmers and spectators, and a slight subtle sense of panic, something old, as my mind and body adjusts to being out of its depth. I’m a little unsure of my place, but slowly my body, and I am grateful for the extra bit of blubber I am carrying, begins to adjust to the water temperature and my place perception returns.” (Foley, 2015, p. 222)
References
Foley, R. (2015). Swimming in Ireland: Immersions in therapeutic blue space. Health & Place, 35, 218-225. DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.09.015
Huttunen, P., Kokko, L., & Ylijukuri, V. (2004). Winter swimming improves general well-being. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 63(2), 140-144. DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v63i2.17700
Jackson, S., and Csíkszentmihályi, M. (1999). Flow in sports. Champaign, Ill: Human Kinetics.
Oliveira, D., Muzolon, L., Antunes, M., & Nascimento Júnior, J. (2019). Impact of swimming initiation on the physical fitness and mental health of elderly women. Acta Scientiarum. Health Sciences, 41(1), 43221. DOI: 10.4025/actascihealthsci.v41i1.43221
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