The Research:
Benefits of Mindfulness
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improves focus, reading comprehension, and memory (Mrazek, Franklin, Phillips, Baird, & Schooler)
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develops physical awareness (HBS)
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increases positive emotions (HBS)
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improves self-control, stress management, and decision making (Harvard Business Review)
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affects the two parts of the brain that deal with self-control, stress management, and decision making (Harvard Business Review)
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decreases stress levels (Sara Lazar of Harvard)
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decreases social anxiety (Stanford)
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causes a person’s hippocampus to grow, indicating an improvement in memory and learning abilities (Sara Lazar of Harvard)
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after practicing mindfulness, students experienced an average 16 percentage point increase on standardized tests (Mrazek, Franklin, Phillips, Baird, & Schooler)
The Research:
Physical Benefits of Swimming
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improves motor skills and coordination by growing connections between the left and right hemispheres of the brain (American Journal of Sports Science and Medicine)
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avoids impact stress and rehabilitates muscles (U.S. Masters Swimming)
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strengthens muscles due to the density of water (USMS)
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provides an all body workout (USMS)
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increases circulation (Bucknell University)
The Research:
Psychological Benefits of Swimming
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causes more neurons to form, allowing for improvements in learning, memory, and regulating emotions (Harvard Medical School)
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reduces depression by increasing the production of endorphins through aerobic exercise (Dr. David Coppel to Medical Daily)
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since immersion in water allows for increased blood flow to the brain, swimming betters a person’s memory and emotional state (Medical Daily)
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allows for relaxed psychological state perfect for mindfulness exercises due to swimming’s repetitive movements and breathing techniques (U.S. Masters Swimming)