5 Ways Swimming Helps Children Deal with Stress

All too often, stress is simply a part of everyday life. Even for children, the effects of stress can be difficult to manage. But even at a young age, it is important that children learn how to handle their stress and not let it overwhelm them. This is where swimming can help! Anyone who has jumped in a pool can tell you how relaxing it feels, but there is actual science to back it up. No matter if your child is just splashing around or they are taking a lesson at a baby swimming school in Mar Vista, swimming can have amazing benefits for their mental health. Keep reading to learn about the top five ways that swimming can help your child to relieve their stress.

Improves Mood

All sorts of physical activity have been shown to improve people’s moods and make them feel happier. Swimming is no different. When your child goes for a swim, their brain releases endorphins, which then sends out of feel-good signals. These help to decrease cortisol, a stress hormone, and to make your child feel more relaxed. Just a few laps in the water can make your kid happier and more at ease, both in the pool and out of it.

Reduces Depression and Anxiety

No matter how old you are, you can still experience clinical anxiety and depression. When your child has a mental health issue, it can make it difficult for them to be fully engaged in daily life. However, swimming, when used in addition to the treatment suggested by their doctor, may be able to help them. It all has to do with the mood-boosting endorphins that get released during physical activity like swimming. Plus, floating in water helps the body to relax, which can relieve your child’s stress. Lastly, swimming helps to promote controlled, calm breathing. This will also help your child to relax, forget about their worries, and just enjoy the tranquility of the water.

Decreases Aggression

Often, children don’t yet know how to manage their negative feelings. Instead, they kick and scream when something doesn’t go their way. Swimming can help your child to work out their aggression. When they swim, they must focus all of their energy on breathing and moving their body through the water. This activity helps them to reign in their aggression.

Boosts Focus

Swimming requires a lot of focus and physical coordination. Kids cannot become distracted because they must use all of their energy on breathing properly and moving through the water. They will be singularly focused on swimming, and the rest of their worries will fade away. Kids who learn to focus while in the pool retain that skill while on dry land, too. This aids them in letting go of the small stressors and instead concentrating on what really matters to them.

Better Sleep

Stressed out children often have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep at night. If you don’t get enough sleep, however, the symptoms of anxiety can worsen. The cycle of bad sleep and stress continues. When your child spends all day swimming, their body and mind will be exhausted when bedtime rolls around. This will help them to fall asleep faster and get a more restful night of sleep.

Contact us at the Swim Right Academy to learn more about signing your child up for a swimming class!