Dear Swimmer

Why do you swim? "Because it feels good" is the number one reason you gave for swimming outdoors in our recent Trends in Outdoor Swimming Survey - it's certainly why I swim.

That's because cold water immersion has proven benefits for mental health and wellbeing. So, how can you maximise those benefits? Especially when you're worrying about things like water quality.

In May's Swim Lifestyle issue of Outdoor Swimmer magazine, we look at how to get in a flow state, escape daily worries and swim for better mental health and wellbeing. Buy it now or subscribe to read the digital issue straight away.

Rowan Clarke, Features Writer

FIND YOUR FLOW

Have you heard the term 'flow state'? It refers to being in the zone, where you're fully absorbed in an activity and lose all self-consciousness and awareness of time. 

The flow state is peak outdoor swimming zen. In an increasingly complicated, switched on world, it's more beneficial than ever - but it's also harder to achieve. In her brilliant new Wild & Recreation section, Editor Ella Foote shares her top tips for finding that coveted flow state.