Action Mental Health’s Festive Splash is back! Our annual sea-dip fundraiser returns to Crawfordsburn Beach on Sunday 7th December. We’ll gather our community together to take on a challenge and raise money for vital mental health services this Christmas.
Daring to take the dip doesn’t only support our work – it can even benefit your own mental health too! Here are 5 ways the Festive Splash can boost your wellbeing this December:
1. Enjoy a mindful moment
A cold dip in the sea is sure to bring you into the present moment and help you focus on your breathing. Practicing mindfulness like this, or taking notice of the world around you, is one of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing endorsed by the Public Health Agency.
2. Get active
Soak up mood-boosting hormones like endorphins and dopamine that are released when you exercise. Whether it’s a gentle swim or a playful splash in the waves, this is a fun opportunity to get moving at your own pace. You might even be inspired to make sea swimming a regular part of your life!
3. Immerse yourself in nature
Being surrounded by nature, and specifically near water, can have huge benefits for our wellbeing. One study1 linked spending time in ‘blue spaces’ to a reduced risk of stress and anxiety, while in another2, 65% of participants reported that it had a positive impact on their mental health.
4. Connect with others
Taking on the Festive Splash is great way to get involved with your community and meet like-minded people. You could even use it as an opportunity to gather a group of friends, family members, or colleagues and take on this fun, festive challenge together.
5. Be proud of yourself!
Braving the cold and daring to take the plunge is a great achievement in itself. On top of that, by taking part and fundraising for us, you’ll be making a real difference for those struggling with mental ill-health this Christmas.
Brave the cold and make a splash for someone this Christmas. Registration is just £15, and any further money you raise in sponsorship could help someone in your community to access the support they need.
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