SeaClearly | Annabel Barnes
Driving awareness of the positive effects of cold water swimming on mental health and wellbeing.
Welcome to SeaClearly, a new organisation in Jersey CI promoting cold water swimming as a way to improve mental health and wellbeing.
Creator and Jersey local, Annabel Barnes has been giving back to the community by sharing her personal journey and helping others who suffer from anxiety or depression. For Annabel the mental challenge of pushing yourself beyond the initial cold-water shock of the sea, knowing that 'what’s beyond is amazing', allows you to take yourself out of a situation and focus on the present. SeaClearly’s mission is not only to help people get out into the ocean but to encourage more health practitioners, specialist and therapists to suggest sea swimming as a valuable tool for mental wellbeing. The benefits of cold-water swimming, especially out in the great outdoors, has been studied and agreed on by individuals world-wide and since the launch of her website, the idea has been welcomed by local medical professionals.
“We are so lucky to live on a beautiful island and with so many small sheltered bays to choose from, this vital ‘vitamin sea’ is literally on our doorstep. For some people talking isn’t easy, often due to embarrassment or being ashamed and too big a step to take. But, from personal experience, what I can tell you is that immersing yourself in cold water is one big stroke forward and one you won’t regret. The word ‘blue’ can become a positive. Outdoor swimming is my form of medication, one that is entirely free of everything; equipment, gym membership and justification. If I can do one thing each day this is it – the positivity (and some may say smugness) when you get out in my view is something that should be bottled up and prescribed. ”
What is a typical day like for you?
I work full time (Marketing Manager for Alliance Supermarket), have a family and an 11 month old puppy which keeps me busy but I make sure that I swim in the sea most days throughout the Summer and Winter. My reason for getting in each day is different; meditative purposes, social with ‘Seagals’, mulling over work issues or that I just simply want a cold water shock to the system to wash away the stresses of everyday life.
What / Who currently inspires you?
The women who have started swimming with me on a regular basis, each of whom have worries and doubts like all of us but have managed to take that step over the front door in the hope that the sea will make them feel a little bit better each day.
What would you most like to change in the world / environment today?
That the reduction in carbon footprint during lockdown which has seen the sea at its most clearest continues so that the next generation can truly see the beauty of what lies beneath.
What do you most value in life?
My family, my health and my dog.
Are there any books / documentaries that have guided your thoughts?
‘The Untethered Soul’ (given to me recently by a girlfriend), ‘Taking The Plunge’ and ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff’.
What brings you the most joy?
Watching the change in people’s facial expressions and mood before, during and after they have been in the sea.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
That more people consider the sea as a valuable tool in treating mental health on a long term basis. I am a great advocate of the ‘cradle to grave’ approach.
Check out Annabel’s website to find out Jersey tide times and safe beaches to swim. A small selection of merchandise is available to buy, profits of which will be donated to nutritionists, therapists and other health specialists who may have clients they feel would benefit from some kind of therapy but are unable to access for financial reasons.
Website - seaclearly.co.uk
Instagram - @SeaClearly2020
Read more about Annabel’s story - www.movemore.je
