Helen O’Connor

Building Resilience in Nature Using Cold Water Swimming | Part 2

Helen O’Connor talks about how forest therapy helps in reducing anxiety.

We explore the science behind how the patterns within nature soothe the autonomic system and move us from an on-edge to a rest and digest state.

Helen shares her experience of swimming all year round in the River Nidd in the beautiful surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales.

She talks about the practicalities of swimming in cold environments, especially from a safety perspective.

For anyone interested, Helen O’Connor details why focussing on her breathing is a vital piece in acclimatising to the temperature. We touch on full immersion and, most importantly, recognising when it is time to get out.

Helen is a Registered Psychologist who has also trained as an Integrative Forest Therapy practitioner.

She supports people to connect more deeply with nature for well-being. She shows how we build a reciprocal relationship with nature and each other.

Helen O’Connor can be found at: https://seedsofcompassion.uk/