I was never fond of the sea. As a young girl, I learnt to accept it as a place of peril and sorrow. Who would have thought that it would become a defining part of my life, bringing me joy and happiness?
Shortly before embarking on my ScotGEM journey, I was recommended an enchanting book: “The Silver Dark Sea”. I related to the inhabitants of the fictional Island of Parla, who carried with them the sadness for what the sea had taken away. The protagonist, Fishman, appeared unexpectedly, mysteriously washed up on the shore. Unknowingly, Fishman redefined the ocean as a provider and comforter to the islanders.
Soon after turning the last page of this tale, I landed myself in the picturesque seaside town of St Andrews. It seemed serendipitous that I was now surrounded by the ocean. Maybe I too could learn to cherish the silver dark sea.
I am now in my second year of ScotGEM, and the ocean has become a defining part of my life. Not a week goes by where I do not submerge myself in the bewitching depths of the North Sea. As the ice blanket envelops me, I feel my worries float away. It seems almost paradoxical to be washed over by such a sense of calm, whilst simultaneously feeling so invigorated.
The ocean expects nothing from those who choose to immerse themselves in it. This is a rarity in this day and age where advancements in technology mean that we automatically carry our work home from the office and are expected to be available at all hours of the day. In these unpredictable times of living in a pandemic, I have found that the ocean has become even more of a safe haven for me. It is one of the few constants in our everchanging lives. She is there for a sunrise shower, and still present for a bedtime lullaby.
What I love most of all is that there is never a glum face in these waters. I have only ever crossed paths with serene and joyous swimmers. Indeed, if you head down to East Sands on a Tuesday evening, you are likely to hear the raucous laughter of a group of ScotGEM students. Come rain, shine, or gale-force winds, there is no better way to unwind after our clinical interaction sessions than a revitalising sea dip.
As luck would have it, my new favourite pastime turns out to be remarkably beneficial for health.
Wild swimming boasts long-term stress reduction – invaluable to me as a medical student! A stress response is mounted as the body is plunged into cold water: heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate increase, along with the release of stress hormones. With repeated instances of cold-water immersion, the body mounts a reduced stress response to the shock. This is translated into everyday life as stressors begin to produce a less intense physiological response.
Additionally, sea swimming boosts the immune system, improves circulation and metabolism, helps fight insomnia, boasts anti-inflammatory properties, and leaves skin glowing – what more could one want from a hobby!
As I prepare to leave St Andrews and move to Dumfries for my next placement, I look forward to immersing myself in the local rivers and lochs. I wonder if they will satisfy my wild swimming cravings as triumphantly as the silver dark sea.
