Hi im Markus, I am currently completing my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Deakin University. As part of my degree I am conducting research related to how swimming may improve psychological wellbeing.
As most swimmers (including myself) would have experienced for themselves there are many psychological benefits to swimming. For instance the sense of achievement and challenge plus the relaxation and escapism of swimming are well reported. However, in spite of this being a consistent theme in magazine articles, books, and film there has been a distinct lack of research related to how swimming may improve wellbeing over a prolonged period of time.
To address this gap the aim of my study is to investigate the relationship between engaging in physical activities (such as swimming) and improvements in subjective wellbeing. If you are 18 years old or over and a swimmer you are invited to take part in this research. The whole process is anonymous and conducted entirely online and will take less than 15 minutes, so it won’t take up too much of your time. Just click on the link below.
www.deakin.edu.au/.../swimming
Your participation in this research is greatly appreciated!
I still don't get why so many people get up to swim that early, though. I understand people need to go to work, but if practice starts at 5 am and lasts even for 2 hours, it's still only 7 am when you are done.
Basically the early morning is the only time that my swimming doesn't mess up our family schedule. I get up for a 5 am practice because by the end of the day, when I get home from work at close to 6 pm, make dinner (my job about 90% of the time) I don't want to go out and practice at 7 pm or 8 pm, when we try to make time for the boys (7 and 11) before they go lights out (reading, games, etc). And the morning routine is pretty full - up at 4:30, in the pool at 5, out and showered and home by about 7. Then its walk the dog, breakfast and get ready for work/school. My wife leaves at 7:30 for work and I take the kids to school at 8:15 and then cart myself to work from there. Plus, my workout is much better in the early morning - at my advanced age - then late in the evening. And I'd say swimming makes me happier in spite of the odd hours I keep to make it all fit.
I still don't get why so many people get up to swim that early, though. I understand people need to go to work, but if practice starts at 5 am and lasts even for 2 hours, it's still only 7 am when you are done.
Basically the early morning is the only time that my swimming doesn't mess up our family schedule. I get up for a 5 am practice because by the end of the day, when I get home from work at close to 6 pm, make dinner (my job about 90% of the time) I don't want to go out and practice at 7 pm or 8 pm, when we try to make time for the boys (7 and 11) before they go lights out (reading, games, etc). And the morning routine is pretty full - up at 4:30, in the pool at 5, out and showered and home by about 7. Then its walk the dog, breakfast and get ready for work/school. My wife leaves at 7:30 for work and I take the kids to school at 8:15 and then cart myself to work from there. Plus, my workout is much better in the early morning - at my advanced age - then late in the evening. And I'd say swimming makes me happier in spite of the odd hours I keep to make it all fit.
