Can Swimming Cause the Release of Serotonin?

Swimming is good for practically every part of your body—and in some ways that may not immediately come to mind. This brings us to a chemical called serotonin, which is made by nerve cells. Mostly found in the digestive system, it’s an important neurotransmitter that also helps with memory, mood, cognition, and an assortment of physiological functions. Today, we’re talking about how swimming plays a role in releasing serotonin and provides related benefits for mental wellbeing.

It’s an Exercise Thing

The main reason swimming helps with the release and production of serotonin is because it’s a form of exercise that stimulates various internal processes in the body. As you swim, the motions involved in the process promote the release of serotonin and equally beneficial chemicals, including endorphins, by:

• Increasing circulation
• Getting more beneficial nutrients to cells
• Helping with the flow of serotonin throughout the body after it’s produced

One of the most beneficial forms of exercise is swimming, and you can enjoy it any time you want if you have a pool installed at your home by one of the premier San Diego pool companies.

It’s a Mood Thing, Too

All aerobic activities, including swimming, block stress hormones and elevate serotonin levels. According to Harvard Health, serotonin plays a role in boosting mood and minimizing depression. Therefore, if you have a general feeling of euphoria and happiness after a good swim, it’s partly because of the serotonin boost. Healthline.com cites additional research showing elevated serotonin levels can positively impact mood and behavior.

You Could Also Be Rewarded with a Better Night’s Sleep

There’s also research suggesting a boost in serotonin release may improve sleep cycles and patterns. You could then be rewarded with a better night’s sleep, which is beneficial for your health in numerous ways.

Swimming Is Good for Your Mental Wellbeing in Other Ways

Boosting serotonin levels isn’t the only way swimming helps with mental wellbeing. There’s a sizable amount of research from numerous sources detailing many other known or possible mental health benefits associated with swimming and similar activities. For one thing, swimming also increases endorphin levels, which further keeps stress and anxiety in check. Swimming has also been associated with:

• Increased blood flow to the brain
• A reduced risk of depression
• Enhanced relaxation
• A calming effect due to the blue color of the pool water

Swimming Has Many Mind-Body Benefits

All you need to do to enjoy the mind-body benefits of swimming is make an effort to get in the water on a regular basis. This is something you can do conveniently in your own backyard pool, while on vacation at a hotel with a pool, or right in the ocean, which is certainly a possibility in the San Diego area. Even if you have a busy schedule, it’s easy to fit swimming into your regular routine, with possibilities including:

• Going for an early-morning swim
• Playing swimming-related games that make this form of exercise even more enjoyable
• Swimming later in the day when you have more time
• Swimming with friends and family members to enjoy added socialization benefits

If you’re ready to add a pool to your home so you can enjoy the stress-relieving benefits of swimming, reach out to the experienced pros at San Diego Pools. As premier specialists in modern pool design, we’ve been building high-quality pools for more than forty years, and we can build a pool that’s perfect for you and your family. Give us a call today at 888-707-7786 to learn how we can build the pool of your dreams.