Arriving at Broadlands Wild Swimming
Recently I decided to do something a little different. I joined a wild swimming course in Worcestershire at Broadlands Wild Swimming, run by the wonderful Jenny, whose warmth and knowledge could make even the coldest water feel welcoming.
From the moment I arrived I felt that rare sense of community and calm that’s so often missing in modern life. Around fifteen of us gathered in a cosy wooden cabin, each of us curious about what we’d signed up for.
Preparing for the Cold
Before getting in the water we spent about an hour and a half learning everything we needed to know, from safety and cold-water immersion techniques to the physiological and emotional benefits of wild swimming.
It was clear this wasn’t just about getting cold; it was about connecting with your body, your breath and the natural world. The focus on mindfulness and nervous-system regulation reminded me how powerful it is to meet challenge with presence rather than resistance.
Immersion and Mindfulness in Motion
That first moment of immersion was a shock, but within seconds, something shifts. Your mind goes still. Your breath slows. You feel completely present. It’s a kind of mindfulness you can’t think your way into; you have to feel it.
Jenny guided us through the process so calmly it almost felt like meditation. And afterwards? A sense of peace, clarity and aliveness that’s hard to describe unless you’ve felt it yourself.
From Cold Water to Warm Connection
Then came the best part, cake and a hot drink in the cosy barn. Jenny joked that cake after cold-water swimming is calorie-free because your body uses so much energy to warm itself back up. That’s science I’m very happy to believe in!
Beyond the laughter and shared tea there was something deeply grounding about the shared experience of challenge and calm and a reminder of how connection, nature and community can do wonders for both body and mind.
Wild Swimming and Hypnotherapy: Finding Calm in the Present Moment
What struck me most was how much wild swimming mirrors the work I do through hypnotherapy. Both invite your nervous system to find safety in the present moment.
In the cold water, your body learns to stay calm when everything in you wants to tense up. In hypnosis, it’s the same process, learning to breathe through discomfort, regulate from within and reconnect with your own inner strength.
Whether it’s in a lake or a quiet therapy room, it’s all about finding your way back home to yourself.
If You’re Thinking of Trying Wild Swimming
If you’ve ever been curious about how to start wild swimming but felt unsure where to begin, I can’t recommend Broadlands Wild Swimming in Worcestershire enough. Jenny’s approach combines expertise, humour and genuine care, and that makes all the difference.
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/broadfields-wild-swimming-and-wellbeing
FAQ: Wild Swimming for Mind and Body
Q: Is wild swimming good for anxiety or burnout?
A: Yes. The combination of cold-water therapy, mindful breathing and connection with nature helps calm the nervous system, reduce stress hormones and boost mood.
Q: Do I need to be a strong swimmer to try wild swimming?
A: Not at all. Many beginners start in guided sessions like the ones at Broadlands, where safety, warmth and gradual exposure make the experience gentle and supportive.
