For the past few months I have committed to swimming for 30 minutes every Sunday morning (and sometimes I’ll go on Thursday’s as well). I realized recently that it’s the only time during the week where I’m not surrounded my some sort of background chatter or listening to a podcast/audiobook.
I didn’t like the silence at first – so much so that I went through a couple rounds of trying to find waterproof earbuds to no avail. Now I embrace the quiet sounds of the water and my breath as I swim my laps back and forth … back and forth.
Oftentimes I’ll say several mantras in my head as I swim my laps – it’s a great way to kick off the week. After my swim I’ll sit in the steam room for a few minutes before hoping in the shower.
It has become one of my favorite self-care routines and an exercise I have come to enjoy.