Having access to a pool has one greatly overlooked advantage�stress reduction. A pool can help us be happy and healthy. Anecdotal evidence suggests that people who use a pool often are more likely to have a positive body image, smile more often, and enjoy life. These folks don't let the poisons from stress build up in their bodies and minds.

We now know stress is one of the underlying causes of many illnesses today. Our "Modern Life" is creating more stress than ever before. What is stress? According to WEBMD, "Stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response." Stress is a normal part of life, however, our bodies are designed to experience stress and react to it. Stress becomes negative when we face continuous challenges without relief or relaxation. Therefore, as we become overworked, our stress-related tension builds alongside the need for positive stress relieving practices.

Pools reduce stress in 3 ways-

Physical:

Swimming is a good way to relax, while enjoying the benefits of a full-body workout. Swimming is an aerobic exercise benefiting our heart and lungs. As with most aerobic exercise, the benefits of owning a pool and swimming are believed to reduce the harmful effects of stress. Swimming can improve posture and develop a strong lean physique. So a pool can reduce stress immediately by aerobic exercise in addition to reducing our stress on a long term scale by developing a positive self image with the newly acquired "swimmer's build".

Mental:

Relaxing and swimming with a very low effort, has been noted as a form of meditation. Letting the mind wander, focusing on nothing but the rhythm of the stroke can create a euphoric sense helping to gain a feeling of well being, leaving a refreshed, relaxed state of mind. Meditation has been shown to affect one's metabolism by lowering the biochemical byproducts of stress and decreasing blood pressure. According to WIKIPEDIA, meditation is often used in hospitals as method of stress reduction.

Social:

A pool creates an entertaining environment to be with family and friends in a fun setting. After all, there aren't many who doesn't like the feeling of floating and sliding through the water? Spending time in a group workout, whether water aerobics or at a swim practice, is a great social outlet. Exchanging stories, challenging each other, and sharing in the hard work make swimming with others a rewarding experience. Social isolation is considered a chronic stressor and has health perils equal to that of cigarette smoking.

Pools can provide a lot of enjoyment. A pool can provide relaxation, entertainment, and exercise. These are all valid reasons for having a pool, but the health benefits of stress reduction should also be a reason for you to find a pool. There are many ways to get in the water�Maybe you have a nice spot in your backyard to build a pool? Maybe you could join a gym that has a pool or perhaps your neighbor with a pool would like to have an exercise partner! However you can get regular pool use in your life, your body, emotions and spirit will thank you.