Top 10 tips for dipping in colder months

Went for a cheeky sunset swim last night. The water temperature is definitely on the way down!! I got the proper autumn tingle, so I thought I would share my top 10 tips for dipping in the colder months!!

1. Always make sure you have eaten before you dip. In the colder months you use up a lot of energy even if you’re only in for a few minutes.

2. When getting in, focus on your out breath. Long slow breaths out. Your body will breathe in all by itself!!

3. Make sure you acclimatise. Start with just a couple of minutes if it’s your first time or you haven’t been in for a while. Slowly increase your time in the water each dip, if you feel you need to. You only need to be in for 2 minutes to get the benefits!!

4. Listen to your body. When you start to feel comfortable, it’s time to get out.

5. Remember that if you’re dipping in a group, everybody is different and you may need to get out before others. Never feel that you have to stay in. It’s not a competition!

6. Stay within your limits, and your depth. Cramp, hyperthermia, cold water shock are all a reality so you need to have an exit plan!

7. Get out quickly! When you get out you may feel weirdly warm, but get dressed and get moving as soon as you can. As your blood flow starts to recirculate to your outer layers, your core temperature continues to decrease for about 20 minutes.

8. Have a hot drink as soon as you can. I always take a flask with me. This will help you warm up from the inside out as well as the outside in!

9. Although cold water therapy has so many benefits, the dangers are often overlooked. Make sure you know the signs of hyperthermia as well as afterdrop and how to deal with them. Although they might not ever affect you, you could help someone else with your knowledge!! I have had afterdrop and believe me when I say it’s quite scary.

10. And the most important of the top ten tips… Enjoy it! There are so many physical and mental health benefits to dipping, and there is also a massive community!

If you would like to try cold water therapy get in touch and we can go together!