Look forward to it 💙

Beginning a new activity might bring up a little anxiety - at first - it's pretty normal to feel some trepidation about taking the plunge, but I have a few ideas to help alleviate those fears. Read on When you feel those butterflies 🦋 begin to pester you, unsettling your usually calm demeanour, ask yourself- what is causing me 😟 concern? Take a moment to notice them, maybe write your worries down ✍️.Lets say, its equipment-related- I don't know what to wear, or to bring, will I need to purchase goggles, which kind? do I really need to wear a cap? what about flippers? Let's face it, before you've started there are loads of unknowns. Worry not!Help will be available, you're probably not the only person to have wondered these questions, but be assured that there is someone who will help you. Phone a friend, contact the pool, visit and take a look at what others are doing, keep asking. Don't let these small but daunting unknowns hold you back from starting. At a minimum, a pair of swimmers and a towel are all you need to begin, after all. The rest could really be worked out as you go along. Remember many swimming pools have a counter or shop where they sell basic swimming items, where you could ask for some advice. Just smile and speak up! There's a really good chance someone will be happy to help. Some indoor pools require swimmers to wear a cap for hygiene purposes, but many in Australia don't, they use chlorine and other chemicals to keep our pools safe for public use. A cap will keep your hair back and out of your face, and it will also keep it somewhat chlorine free. Sometimes wearing a cap will also protect your ears from getting blocked and help you to feel a little more sleek and streamlined in the water, a nice advantage if you are feeling self-conscious. Goggles are very useful for seeing where you're going underwater and also keeping chlorine out of your eyes Pool water can really sting your delicate eyes and cause a lot of discomfort - if effected rinse them with cold clear water. Saline eye drops are brilliant for rinsing eyes and restoring their pH and moisture - you can get eye drops some from a pharmacy or supermarket. The kind of goggles you wear depends a lot on the conditions - they can be tinted to prevent glare in outdoor pools - or clear and coloured. Be aware that goggles will leave a mark around your eyes, which will be more pronounced the longer you've been wearing them. Secure them so that no water goes in but not so tight that they hurt or squeeze your head! if this happens, loosen them a little and let the seal do its job - tighten little by little if water is getting in. Goggles are such a personal choice that you may realistically try a few pairs before you nail your choice! If purchasing ask to put them on! They may set you back $20-35 for a first pair - I've found stores like Rebel have a good range. If you have friends who swim, ask them what they wear and ask to borrow for a few laps - you'll get an idea of how they feel and perform. A comfortable fit on your face means you will be focused on your swim rather than your peepers and will be likely to leave only a faint mark that should go away quickly. Just a heads-up - some savvy people time their swim for after their other commitments (work, meeting, appointment, date) when they''d like to look their best! But when it comes to goggles, there are many options but you shouldn't need to spend more than $40 on your first pair. When packing your swim bag, take two towels. The one you use when you hop out of the pool is going to soon be drenched and if you're having a shower and getting changed afterwards, you're going to want a clean dry towel. Some swimmers use flippers, hand paddies for propulsion - these and kick boards are items that can help you along as you swim more and further but there's no need to start with them - too much stuff might just be distracting and cause more anxiety. For your first foray into the pool, do what you can and fell yourself becoming stronger and more confident, become at ease with the environment before you add to many extras. As for the other butterflies 🦋 I would suggest taking them one ar a time and for each one, imagine that the issue is solved, picture yourself on the other side of the solution and reflect on what has changed? You might like to draw or write about what you imagine. Until next time, be encouraged to give it your best shot and always ask for help when you need it!

We’re swimming to save lives

Did you know suicide is the leading cause of death for young people in Australia?

That means that each year more young people die by suicide than in car accidents or from cancer.

This March, we’re swimming to make sure young people in Australia have the mental health support they urgently need.

By sponsoring our challenge, you’ll be helping to prevent youth suicide.

All funds raised will help young people feel better about today and the future, no matter what challenge they're facing.