Winter Swimming

A beautifully illustrated exploration of cold-water traditions in Scandinavia and around the world, and a factual, scientific account of why winter swimming gives such a boost to body and soul. This book interweaves cultural practices with science to show how outdoor swimming can influence happiness, energy and inner tranquility. It explains the cold-shock response and the endorphin rush as the body adapts to very cold temperatures through the winter season, and how circulation, heart, lungs and skin respond, alongside benefits for the immune system, metabolism and mental health. Emphasizing accessibility and environmental friendliness, it highlights swimming outdoors in lakes, lidos, rivers or the sea. The brown fat activation is explored as a key factor in health benefits. The author Susanna Søberg guides readers step by step into icy water, while the translation is by Elizabeth DeNoma. The work was published in 2022 by Penguin Random House USA, and comprises 256 pages in hardcover.

Praise highlights the book as brimming with insights, visually stunning and inspiring for dipping a toe in icy waters. It presents a blend of how, why and what, offering visual inspiration for anyone curious about winter swimming and its potential health impacts.

This volume pairs scientific explanation with practical guidance and striking photography, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in outdoor wellness, winter traditions and the mental and physical benefits of cold-water immersion.

Kenmerken

• Visueel rijk met illustraties en fotografie
• Studie+praktijk over koudwatertradities wereldwijd
• Uitleg koude rans, endorfine en adaptatie
• Brown fat en gezondheidsvoordelen belicht
• Voordelen voor immuniteit en mentale gezondheid
• Toegankelijk en milieuvriendelijk outdoor zwemmen