Planning a function or a special occasion? We have the answer….
As temperatures hovered just above zero degrees Celsius, more than 200 people jumped into a bitter cold Gippsland Lakes to celebrate the shortest day of the year.
The Winter Solstice Sunrise Swim in June is a yearly ritual that involves jumping into the chilly waters of the Gippsland Lakes at sunrise to feel invigorated, accomplished, resilient and refreshed. This year the event was part of the East Gippsland Winter Festival and hosted by Gippsland Jersey.
Sallie Jones, co-founder of Gippsland Jersey said the event was ‘such a vibe’, with more than double the amount of people taking part in it than the previous year.
‘It was just amazing,’ she said. ‘There was a child as young as eight and a woman in her eighties. It’s such an invigorating, powerful experience.’
It is scientifically proven that cold water immersion helps to alleviate depression, anxiety, and stress by triggering the release of endorphins and reducing inflammation.
Sallie lost her father to suicide and is now an advocate for mental health. She began cold water immersion after learning about Whim Hof method during covid. Whim Hof, who is dubbed Iceman, created a method based on breathing techniques, cold therapy and commitment to increase health benefits including energy, better sleep, reduced stress levels, and a stronger immune system.
Sallie then suggested to her factor staff at Gippsland Jersey to also try cold water immersion as a tool to feel empowered and accomplished.
‘We have a pillar around mental health at Gippsland Jersey and I suggested to the factory staff that they should give (cold water immersion) a try,’ she said. ‘About ten of them did it and found it was invigorating.’
‘It’s now something many of them continue to do on their own time. Everyone goes through moods, whether you’re feeling a bit lousy or unexcited, cold water just wakes you up and lifts your mood. If I can’t have a dip, I will turn my shower onto cold for the last thirty seconds. It helps you to take control and set the tone for the rest of the day.’
Sallie and her business partner Steve Ronalds also hope to raise awareness about mental health through their annual calendar. The calendar features stories from twelve dairy farmers in an effort to change the stigma about depression and open up conversations.
‘Twelve very brave Gippsland dairy farmers step outside their comfort zone and allow us to share their personal health story. This calendar serves as a starting point towards breaking down the stigma attached to mental health in our rural communities.
‘Our wish is that the calendar prompts honest and real conversations about a health issue that often we feel ashamed or embarrassed about.’
Visit www.gippslandjersey.com.au for more information.
If you, or someone you know needs crisis support, call Lifeline now on 13 11 14, available 24/7.
Janie Thompson, National Continence Helpline Manager, said many people who experience incontinence were afraid to leave their home to do everyday activities often taken for granted.
“Whether it’s shopping, going for walks or catching up with friends, people with symptoms of incontinence may avoid going out into public all together due to a fear of having an accident, which can have a detrimental impact on their mental health.”
Janie said that talking with friends and family about incontinence can have a significant impact in improving lives of the one in four Australians with incontinence.
“While sharing incontinence experiences may be uncomfortable at first, overcoming this barrier allows for greater understanding and support from loved ones.”
To find out more about incontinence and how to support those experiencing it, please visit https://www.continence.org.au/
Website design by LUCREATIVE
Unwind acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land – The Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation and we pay our respect to Elders past and present.
Views expressed by authors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Copyright is reserved. Reproduction of articles or images in whole or part without permission is prohibited.