We are all creatures of habits, whether big or small. Our daily routines and activities shape our perception of reality, creating a sense of familiarity and stability. However, even the slightest change in our routine can have a profound effect on our overall well-being and how we approach various aspects of life. Recently, I experienced this firsthand when I took a week-long break from my swimming routine due to a trip to home. As I returned to the pool, I realized that rediscovering the rhythm of swimming would require some effort and patience.
The Impact of a Change in Routine
Traveling to a new place is an exciting adventure, but it often disrupts our established habits. Although change is invigorating, it also made me appreciate the importance of routines in our lives. Our habits provide structure and a sense of normalcy, allowing us to navigate the world with ease and familiarity.
Exercise releases endorphins and dopamine. These are the same neurotransmitters released during drug use. An exercise addict feels reward and joy when exercising. When they stop exercising, the neurotransmitters go away.
Returning to the Swimming Pool
After a week away, I eagerly returned to the swimming pool, ready to dive back into my usual routine. However, I soon realized that the break had taken a toll on my swimming skills. The rhythm I had built over time seemed distant, and the fluid movements I had mastered felt slightly foreign. Breathing became rusty as I struggled to find the right pattern and sync it with my strokes. My shoulders, unaccustomed to the demands of swimming, felt stiff and rusty. The water, once a comforting embrace, now posed a small challenge as I regained my familiarity with its resistance. Even my heart rate modulation seemed slightly worse, as if it had forgotten the cadence of my swimming routine.
Rediscovering the Rhythm
Swimming is a rhythmic activity, and much like in life, rhythm serves as a foundation for most activities associated with a state of flow. As I persevered in the pool, I gradually rediscovered the rhythm that had once felt effortless. With each stroke and kick, my breathing became synchronized, and my movements flowed more naturally. The rusty feeling in my shoulders began to fade as they regained their strength and flexibility. It became clear to me that the rhythm of swimming extended beyond the physical aspects. As I regained my stride in the water, I noticed a similar sense of rhythm returning to other areas of my life. The familiar routine of swimming helped restore a sense of balance and flow, reminding me of the power of habit and its influence on our overall well-being.
Life is about rhythm. We vibrate, our hearts are pumping blood, we are a rhythm machine, that's what we are.
Returning to the swimming pool after a week's break provided valuable insights into the role of habits and routines in our lives. We are creatures of habit, and a change in routine can have a profound effect on our perception of reality. The rustiness I experienced in my swimming abilities after a brief hiatus reminded me that getting back into the rhythm takes time and patience. Yet, the process of rediscovering that rhythm is rewarding, as it extends beyond the pool and permeates other aspects of our lives. Whether it is swimming, writing, or pursuing any passion, rhythm acts as a foundation for the state of flow and overall fulfillment. As we navigate through the ebb and flow of life, let us remember the importance of maintaining our chosen rhythms and routines, as they serve as guides and companions on our journey.
So, the next time life disrupts your routine, embrace the challenge and trust that with time and perseverance, you'll find your rhythm again, both in the pool and in life.
Swimming - 04 July 2023