Why is swimming important? People feel more satisfied with life after swimming.

5 min read
Why is swimming important? People feel more satisfied with life after swimming.
Before swimming, I’ve always been running—every morning, I clocked a 10-kilometer run, starting at 6 a.m. and finishing back home by 7 a.m., just in time to hop into the shower. After that, I’d drop off my kid at school by 7:30 and head straight to work, feeling energized and ready for the day ahead. Over the past six months or so, I’ve even tackled a half-marathon each week, all thanks to mastering the proper running form. Remarkably, during this entire period, I haven’t experienced any injuries—no pain in my legs, knees, or ankles. Running truly is an addictive sport; there’s something exhilarating about sweating—it feels almost magical as the sweat turns into salt on your skin! But then, when the air quality became too poor due to severe smog, I had no choice but to give up running altogether. That’s when I switched to swimming, and honestly, once I stepped into the water, I knew I’d never look back. Swimming turned out to be *even better* than running! While swimming, I’ve met countless fellow swimmers—from those in their 30s to over-60s. Some are passionate amateurs, while others are former professional athletes who’ve retired from competitive teams. There are swimmers from northern and southern regions, as well as friends from Singapore, Japan, and even the UK. Engaging with these diverse individuals has been incredibly enriching—each conversation has not only deepened my understanding of swimming techniques but also taught me valuable life lessons. After all, as Laozi, the founder of Daoism, wisely put it: “Water benefits all things without striving against them—it flows naturally, nurturing everything yet remaining humble.” This philosophy perfectly captures the essence of swimming—and perhaps life itself.

1. Swimming helps people face challenges with greater composure.

The process of learning to swim is one that transforms fear of water into comfort with it—and ultimately, a deep love for it. At first, learners worry about being too overweight or physically heavy, fearing they won’t be able to stay afloat. Then there’s the anxiety of panicking if they accidentally swallow water and struggle to regain their footing. Later on, many become terrified of venturing into deeper waters, afraid they won’t be able to find something to hold onto. But viewed from another angle, learning to swim is also a journey of self-discovery: it’s the process by which swimmers go from having no confidence in their ability to control their own bodies to gradually building unwavering assurance—and eventually maintaining just the right amount of self-assurance. Along the way, they come to recognize the limits of human capability, learning humility in the process. After all, when someone strikes the delicate balance between healthy self-confidence and genuine humility, they’re better equipped to approach life’s challenges with poise, resilience, and an unshakable sense of calm—qualities that serve them well in every situation.

Everyone goes through their own low points, during which it’s natural to feel down, questioning yourself and even growing frustrated with your surroundings. Yet, for those who truly love swimming, there’s always a way forward—they’ll discover what truly matters to them and the people who genuinely care. After all, the meaning of life lies in experiencing it fully. And isn’t it rare—and perhaps even rarest—to find genuine joy within yourself? Only those who’ve learned to delight in their own company can truly remain unfazed by external circumstances or personal ups and downs.

2. Swimmers foster unity and camaraderie.

Unlike other sports, the swimming circle doesn’t overlap much with members from running or ball-playing circles. In swimming, there’s rarely pure competition—instead, it’s more about mutual exchange, learning from one another to improve, and sharing the sheer joy of swimming. Plus, swimming itself naturally minimizes the chances of athletes in other sports accidentally disrupting each other during their activities. As a result, people rarely engage in petty arguments or debates over speed during those brief moments between laps. Overall, the atmosphere within the swimming circle remains incredibly positive, offering both a strong sense of community belonging and plenty of personal space for individuals to enjoy their own pace. And unlike some other sports circles, there’s never that uncomfortable “forced participation” dynamic.

Once swimming reaches a certain stage, many swimmers head outdoors—there’s something incredibly relaxing and beautiful about that carefree feeling of fully immersing yourself in nature! Just toss your clothes into a trusty dry bag, grab a wooden board for your dog to stand on, tie one end of the rope around your waist, and gently guide the board along as you paddle. That sense of harmony and connection with the natural world is something you’ll never find in an indoor pool. But here’s the golden rule for outdoor swimming: "Never go alone!" After all, sharing the experience with friends—or even a group of like-minded individuals—is far more enjoyable. When swimming outdoors in small groups, some might bring snacks, others fire up a grill, and someone even grabs their guitar. For swimmers who’ve had this kind of experience, it naturally fosters a heightened awareness when navigating the hustle and bustle of urban life or commercialized environments—making it much easier to stay grounded and avoid unnecessary distractions.



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