Jul 29, 2022
Well they call it Wild Swimming, but for me it’s a case of bobbing about in cold water with a little bit of swimming involved.
After a gruelling few months trying to find a suitable wet suit for a lady with significant curves (oh believe me there was NO dignity involved in that process) I let the lovely assistant in a sports shop spend 30 minutes just getting me into one. Tired of searching and feeling slightly guilty about the amount of effort she had to put in, I bought it!
First stage completed towards my goal of swimming in Lake Windermere. Along with a few other essentials for open water swimming, off I went feeling rather pleased with myself. Into the vast area of open water…. Bliss. I found the wetsuit gave me extra buoyancy and all was good… But not quite what I was expecting. So next time I went in the lake I went in just a swimming costume! It was FABULOUS. A completely different experience. There was something about the contact of the water on your skin whilst feeling the sun on your face surrounded by nature and calmness. In that moment I fully understood why people love it and I was hooked.
The water was invigorating, but not freezing cold uncomfortable. Just the feeling you have when first climb into the local swimming pool. Your body adjusts and gets used to it. I felt rather pleased that I was hard core cozzy wearing whilst a few chaps in the lake were wetsuited up in the middle of August, that is it until a ‘friend’ pointed out that studies have revealed that hormonal women of a certain age carry more weight which keeps them insulated!! Did we really need a study dedicated to what everyone already knows??!! But I’m sticking with the fact that I must just be hard core brave. The benefits are amazing! As well as the anti-inflammatory benefits (especially beneficial after a long walk), the benefits for the mind and soul were amazing! You need to focus on where you are and what you are doing and let your mind rest. Perfect calm…….
So feeling slightly guilty after all that effort in finding a wet suit I pledged to head into the lake on New Year's Day!! I managed it. Not quite the same experience as in summer (oh my goodness Wim Hoff would have struggled (google him)) but the feeling of exhilaration once it was done made it worthwhile (as you can tell by my beaming face).
Whether you are training for the Great North Swim, want the exercise or are like myself and just want to bob around a bit in natures own therapeutic healing pool, have a go, you’ll not regret it. You’ll find lots of groups local to you on the internet, Facebook, Insta, etc who will also give you all the information you need to keep safe. Give it a go – your mind, body and soul will love you for it.
Disclaimer: This article has been designed for entertainment and informational purposes; it is not personalised medical advice. This guide may be a useful read to generate some ideas, however, please take advice from a medical professional.
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I am glad I went to Head Agenda, great staff and Mark was really helpful and friendly. If you are unsure about going to see anyone then maybe just book an appointment and discuss it with them. Even if you think you are mentally strong there is always room for improvement. I feel like Mark has helped me find the right path to go forward in my life. I would recommend this company :)
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I can't begin to describe how incredible Darren has been in helping me with my mental health. He enabled me to respect and love myself for the first time in a very long time. I have come a long way since starting my sessions and I will be forever grateful to Darren for facilitating my process of healing. I highly recommend Darren and Head Agenda!
Himani Jayasinghe
Can't rate Head Agenda, or my therapist, highly enough. I had my first appointment within two weeks of enquiring and began CAT therapy with Jonathan. His kind, caring and friendly approach instantly helped me to feel relaxed, leading to several breakthroughs during our sessions. My therapy with Jonathan has been genuinely life changing; this is by far the best money I've ever spent. I now feel calmer and more content, and have the tools needed to enjoy better mental health.
If you're ready to put in the work, I'd definitely recommend Head Agenda.
Alannah Graham
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Grace Maddox
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Covers by Tom
I came to see Mandy in autumn 2019 for some CBT to deal with my anxiety which at times spiralled out of control for weeks/months at a time. Mandy was great, in the end doing a combination of both therapy and CBT to explore where the anxiety had come from, as well as how to put it back in its box. She was great at challenging me, which is just what I needed. An immediate affect was feeling significantly less nervous about flying. I now find myself in week 5 of the UK COVID lockdown, a time that is causing anxiety for so many people, and able to cope. Yes, I have felt anxious (who hasn’t!!), but it has been for a maximum of an hour or two, and not endless. I can highly recommend Head Agenda. Thank you.
Natasha Barlow
I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Debbie who I had many sessions with earlier this year. At first I was very hesitant but was by far was the best decision I have made and I am now in a place I could have only dreamt to be in a year ago. I could not recommend Debbie highly enough and genuinely want to thank her from the bottom of my heart.
Bradley Hood
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Sacha Ghionis
This was my first experience with counselling. I was always reluctant to seek help for whatever reason. With recent health issues I felt that it was the 'icing on the cake' and I needed help. Then I met the wonderful Debbie at Head Agenda. She has guided me more than I ever thought possible. She has helped me see what's truly important and helped me breakdown understand what once felt like big mess in my head! She has taught me so much and I can finally say, today, that I am ready to use her kind words and advice and see how I get on alone. I know she is always there though if I need her one day. I now feel I am strong enough, all thanks to Debbie.
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Jo-Dee Brice
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Holly Dixon
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Joe Craig
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Liam Back
Just wanted to say a huge thank you to Debbie here at Head Agenda! She has been absolutely amazing in getting me through what felt like a million and one problems when I first went in. I truly came to think of her as a friend and felt her genuine care and want to help me. I always came away from every session feeling lighter and much more positive and she's always been so friendly, sensitive and incredibly relatable. She has guided me through an extremely difficult time in my life and got me through and out of that dark tunnel.
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Tabitha Connolly
Head Agenda were great, and really helped me with my issues. The space was great quiet and private it did not feel intimidating. My therapist Jonathan, took the time to understand my problems and was really helpful and easy to approach. Would recommend.
Robert Rowe
I've been seeing June for a while now. I have tried a number of therapies and therapists over the years, but have never really felt heard or understood. I am able to be my authentic self with June, without any fear of judgement or embarrassment. She has an amazing way of challenging my thoughts, in a gentle way, but enough so to allow me to start to reconsider my own thoughts and feelings. She has already had a big impact on my life, and I cannot recommend her highly enough!
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Charlotte Steele
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Siobhan Thew
About 4 months ago I decided to try therapy and was recommended Head Agenda by my girlfriend. After getting in contact with them I was assigned to Darren and over that period of time I found him very helpful, I would definitely recommend him and say it was a really positive experience
Barnsley Jack
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Kate Riley
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I went to Head Agenda to try to tackle my severe anxiety. My therapist Jonathan was really helpful and kind and I now feel more equipped to manage my mental health. The space is calming and welcoming. I would recommend Head Agenda to anyone who is suffering and who needs professional support.
Lauren Piper
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Anne-Louise Wells
I have had a few sessions with Debra. When I arrived for my first session she made me feel very comfortable and the session just flew by. Debbie really took the time to understand what I was saying and made me feel like she really wanted to help me through my problems. She has gone over and above expectations, supporting me through a very big decision. The rooms are very relaxing and comfortable and there is barely any noise from outside. I would fully recommend having sessions with Debra. She has really opened up my eyes to the reasons of why I feel the way I do and ways to try and reduce those feelings.
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