Not only is swimming excellent exercise, being in the water is also an incredible way to reduce your stress level and beat the heat this summer. The weightlessness you feel in the water really does allow you to move without pressure on joints and tendons, freeing your muscles to move naturally and with greater comfort and ease. By taking time to swim, whether it's in a pool, an ocean, a lake or river, you are giving your mind, body and spirit a chance to renew itself.
Even walking near bodies of water can prove relaxing, changing the temperature of the air around you, allowing you to let your defenses down while you look out at the peace and stillness or the gentle waves.
It is no accident that people enjoy water parks, ponds, boating, waterfalls, lazy rivers, fishing, sailing and kayaking.
Walking along marinas allows you to stretch your legs and observe the water and the beautiful boats at the same time, and walking along marinas at sunset is probably one of the most peaceful, romantic and beautiful experiences you can have.
If you don't have access to natural bodies of water nearby, even just a public pool or the local Y will suffice for the purposes of washing away stress.
Jumping into water after work can relieve you of the worries and burdens of work and family life, renew your spirit and refresh you physically.
For the heat, as lovely as it is, is truly draining. Our energy levels can go down, we feel sluggish, tired, and thirsty. Using water even in the form of a cool shower or relaxing bath can also trigger a stress reduction, loosening up your muscles and bringing you back in harmony with yourself.
So remember to hydrate regularly, keep your food healthy and your exercise regular, and use water frequently and shamelessly to help stay cool and bring your stress levels down.
Aimee Boyle contributes regularly to EmpowHER. She is a writer and teacher in CT.
Edited by Alison Stanton