Why Introverts Love Swimming

 Article    04/14/2021 | Written by Nikos Kaskaras

         Probably one of the most common stereotypes is related to people who are introverts. Although views tend to change lately, as the pandemic condition worldwide leads to social distancing, there's still a tendency to discriminate against less social prone individuals. Very usually, they are not the most popular choices for arranging a night out or a sports event with buddies. Does this mean that people who tend not to express their emotions are somehow excluded from the world of sports? Definitely not! Swimming can be the ideal sports activity for introverts.    

    Before we explain why swimming fits perfectly to introverts, it would be useful to delve a bit deeper into the extent and stats of introversion. Firstly, it shall be clear that it's a different concept from shyness or social anxiety disorder. Introversion is a personality trait while shyness is related to feelings and social anxiety disorder is a form of mental illness. Then, introversion is very common to the majority of people. 

Evidence suggests that it is rather rare to find absolute introverts or extroverts and most people tend to combine the two traits. Carl Jung, who first introduced the concepts, spoke about the “third group” that is “the most numerous and includes the less differentiated man”. He also assumed that introverts and extroverts are minorities, meaning that it's highly unlikely for individuals to possess just one of the two traits. Bottom line is that introversion is not a concept that applies to estranged people who just want to be alone, but is present within most of us.    

   The first reason why swimming is ideal for people who tend to be introverts is that it's a purely individual sport. Of course, all swimmers, especially during the first steps of learning basic swimming skills are mentored and guided by certified swim coaches. Nevertheless, when you step into the swimming pool you are alone with yourself. This provokes a great challenge for introverts, as it demands their whole attention and effort. The use of the whole body is essential for floating and swimming effectively, resulting in a full workout that combines physical and mental coordination. This is great stuff for introverts.     

 They can work their whole body in the pace and rhythm they wish, without having to interact with anyone. They set their limits, they find out how far they can go and they choose the swimming style they will adopt. Introverts love the freedom of setting their own pace without having to adjust to external standards. Furthermore, their progress depends on their effort and dedication. Team sports, in contrast, require constant cooperation and interaction and are often not reflective of individual contribution.          

Another reason why introverts will love swimming is because of the isolation they enjoy. Indeed, swimming is probably the most individualistic of all sports. It's not only the “personal effort” factor that plays a significant role. Unlike most other non-team sports, swimming ensures the minimum disturbance from external noises that could abstract attention and affect concentration levels. The element of water is crucial for that because it functions as a “filter” that leaves out everything else. When your head is below water or when you swim moving in parallel to the aquatic surface, you can't hear anything from the outside. For an even better result, you could use earplugs that protect your ears from possible water entrance. This is the absolute way of achieving mindfulness in water. Introverts are usually fond of working and self-developing alone. Outside stimulus, like sounds or images, could distract their attention and, thus, affect the outcome of their efforts. Getting in the pool can be the step for personal clarity and fulfillment if you tend to be an introvert.      

Although, it's not a law that applies to all introverts, it's, however, true that they tend to prefer a certain, predetermined space for action. Typically, people who possess the trait of introversion are not so fond of having to interact with a lot of strangers as they feel that the game is out of their hands. Additionally, in team sports, it's usually more difficult to predict the outcome of a training or a formal match because it depends on various factors. A teammate's bad performance, less effective communication with the other members of the team or even bad weather can affect the result of a game. As introverts prefer to set their own rules and control the level of their personal development, they tend to avoid such a situation. This is why they prefer to train within a safe, controlled environment, where their progress would depend exclusively on their efforts. Swimming is indeed one of the most “democratic” (sic) sports. How people develop their skills depends exclusively on them. On the other hand, in most other individual sports external factors, such as strong winds or poor pitch conditions could affect the outcome regardless of personal effort and skills.      

 Introverts are more selective than extroverts. They don't feel comfortable speaking to all people and their self-esteem does not depend on the number of their friends. Intense social interaction drains the energy out of introverts while for extroverts the opposite applies: They gain energy being the center of attention. On the other hand, introverts tend to seek self-understanding and self-knowledge. They think before they speak, carefully select their friends and companions and don't express their feelings easily. For all the above reasons, water is the perfect “place to be” for introverts. Its qualities and the unique feelings it provides, make it a very favorable surrounding for them. Water allows all the inclinations of introverts to express, allowing them to gain a better insight into their thoughts and emotions. It's ideal for releasing tension and letting all negative feelings get out of your system. At the same time, it raises concentration levels, facilitating self-introspection. Introverts love such conditions. That's why they tend to be very fond of what water can provide them.    

   Another unique advantage that swimming offers to introverts, is the time it provides them for their personal development. Unlike the vast majority of other team and individual sports, where people need another player to practice effectively, swimming it's not a prerequisite. On the contrary, it can be more beneficial for people who love working alone. Introverts prefer setting their own pace of learning rather than following the trends of the values of Western societies. Of course, this does not mean that they are slow learners. It's rather the opposite as research shows that they are better decision-makers than extroverts. Nevertheless, solitude is a common pursuit for introverts, for it allows them to recharge their “batteries”. The combination of a controlled environment, pleasant routine and personal choice of the learning process make the most attractive “package” for such personalities. That's why they appreciate swimming when they discover it.

more: https://www.nereids.com.au/blog/how-swimming-improves-mental-health