AN East Renfrewshire mum has told how embracing ‘wild swimming’ has helped her to sink the lockdown blues.

Caroline O’Donnell was placed on furlough from her job in the recruitment industry after the Covid pandemic struck and was later made redundant.

While she has always enjoyed outdoor sports, it is only recently that she turned to outdoor swimming in lochs to boost her mental health.

Caroline, 43, told the Barrhead News: “The last year has been tough, with the pandemic, lockdowns and being made redundant.

“Being out in the open water and experiencing nature in such an all-encompassing way really helps me to feel calm and feel really present in the moment.”

Caroline, who now runs her own recruitment agency, said taking the plunge in freezing lochs has helped her to “decompress” at a time when so many people have been finding it hard to cope with the pandemic.

“It helps me relax and forget my worries,” added the Giffnock mum-of-three. “Taking up wild swimming has also made me feel stronger and braver, giving me the confidence to set up my own business.

“I’d encourage anyone to give it a try but please remember to be safe.”

Caroline spoke out to support Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday.

This year’s theme is nature, with the Mental Health Foundation Scotland reporting “powerful evidence” of the positive impact it can have on wellbeing.

The charity is calling on the Scottish Government to introduce a Green Spaces Strategy which will guarantee accessible green spaces for all and improve both mental and physical health.

National director Lee Knifton said: “Connecting with nature is good for our mental health as it helps reduce feelings of worry and stress. In turn, it boosts positive emotions such as joy and calmness.

“That’s why we’re encouraging people to connect with nature in a way that feels good to them, whether that’s going for a walk in the park, looking after a houseplant, outdoor swimming or bagging a Munro.

“The most important thing in terms of boosting our wellbeing is the quality of the experience and how we absorb the benefit by taking in the sights, sounds and scents of our surroundings.”

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