Swimming

Swimming triggers the “mammalian diving reflex”, lowers our heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and makes us feel calm and regulated. It also decreases vasopressin, or anti-diuretic hormone, which drives the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system, and the freeze, flight, and fight responses, that can get us into trouble. It might be the best fix for stress induced bowel problems as well.

Demonstration Video:

More Information:

• Swimming Research Articles
• Mammalian Diving Reflex, Jasper Stechmann