Cold Water Swimming: Is It Good for You, or Bad?

There are serious risks involved with cold water swimming, but if it's done safely it may give your physical and mental health a significant boost.

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• Exposure to cold water offers mental and physical health benefits

• When your body senses cold temperatures, the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers your “fight-or-flight” response, is activated while blood levels of beta-endorphin and noradrenaline increase

• Research supports the use of cold water swimming to improve mood, relieve de…