April is Autism Awareness Month. Whether you know someone who is neurodivergent or not, it is important to recognize that the brain works differently for this population of people. With finals week approaching, many people recommend mediation or relaxing exercises to refocus. As someone who identifies as neurodivergent, this type of relaxation makes it ten times harder to concentrate and wind down. Fortunately, swimming is an activity people can do to receive the same meditative-like effect for an upcoming stressful time.

Water is a soothing place for people who identify as neurodivergent and autistic. While underwater, the sounds, feelings and outside world stop. This creates a level of serenity and allows you to focus solely on swimming. All other thoughts and stressors seem to wash away. Whether you swim or simply float in a body of water, expect to have a sense of calmness and relaxation. This will aid in your search for tranquility before stressful times.

Swimming has taken me out of stressful or anxious moments. Coming out of the pool without a worry shows how effective this activity is for your mind and body. Traditional meditation caters to a neurotypical population, while swimming seems to fit the needs of neurodivergence more appropriately. From personal experience, the simplicity of focusing on swimming while being physically stimulated puts my mind at ease. This focus pattern gives direction and attention to the mind that many other people can apply to their own stress levels.

What are you waiting for? Get friends, family and yourself into swimming! The perfect way to introduce this activity into your life is through Group Swim at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC). Throughout April, we will be offering lessons for all age groups at the SRWC Aquatic Center. Don’t miss out on the chance to calm your nerves for finals and incorporate a new soothing activity into your life!