Gain Self Control

Being in control makes us feel secure and in power. It also fights off anxiety and other negative emotions (Jackson & Csíkszentmihályi, 1999, p.127). Finding the perfect balance between being in control of swimming and losing yourself in the act of swimming, thus losing control, enables flow and oddly enough, gain more control over the situation (p. 129).  This allows you to become present, focused, and happy. It removes the anxieties of everyday life and the chaos of living.

 

One of the biggest challenges in getting started on your swimming journey will be overcoming inertia and getting into an active routine. Jackson and Csíkszentmihályi (1999) suggest building a schedule that makes missing swim sessions more complicated than going to them; hire a swim coach or go to a gym that charges you for missed lane bookings (p.42-43). Also, get something motivating like a swimsuit you feel confident in and more eager to wear or a special soap for post-swim showers that you only treat yourself to after swimming. Along with taking control of your physical health, swimming also helps with “stress and anxiety levels, self-esteem and quality of life” (Oliveira, et al., 2019, p. 4). All of which impact how you see yourself in your life, and who it is that controls your life; you control it or it controls you. 

 

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The classic Polar Plunge is a fun way to challenge your self-control by willingly jumping into cold water. It takes a lot of self-control to do this to yourself, but the rewards are well worth it. At first, it produces a stress response in the body, but after a few moments, the body will relax and begin to relieve physical pain, all the while mentally distracting you from any emotional pain that might be interfering with your daily living (Huttunen, Kokko, & Ylijukuri, 2004, p. 143-144).