Melina Abbott says that wild swimming, especially in the cold of winter, gives you so much more than a momentary thrill: “In menopause, you do start to feel more anxious. You start to feel more afraid, but by doing something crazy, like plunging yourself in freezing cold water, it gives you confidence because you think, wow, I did something really hard. So when I come out, especially if I've not wanted to go in, I come out and go, yay, I did a hard thing. And then I know that I can apply that in every area of my life.” The benefits of cold water swimming include:

• increasing immunity
• reducing stress
• improving mood
• being good for anxiety and depression
• improving circulation
• decreasing inflammation
• and improving libido

The Blue Tits Chill Swimmers : https://thebluetits.co/
Connect with Melina: https://www.melinaabbott.com/

About the Midlife and Beyond Podcast Like all transitions, midlife can be messy and sad and glorious all at once, leaving many midlife women feeling rather alone and somewhat invisible. But what does this transition we are experiencing lead to?
 
I'm Jo Blackwell, a photographer, author and coach for women who want more from their lives post 50 and I'm here to remind you that if we manage our health and embrace it, growing older can lead to one of the greatest periods of growth and transformation of our lives.
 
The Midlife Movement was created to change minds about midlife and growing older, one story at a time. Because we only become invisible when when we stop seeing ourselves.

email jo@joblackwell.co.uk to take part in the podcast or suggest guests.
 
See The Midlife & Beyond section of my website for more information and resources to help you navigate change with less stress and more joy! www.joblackwell.co.uk