'No Distractions' in the Pool. Not for this guy

Jumping in is easy, avoiding distractions is not

Stroke, stroke, stroke, breathe. Don’t stop kicking… are my toes pointed? 

Am I slapping the water or guiding it?

I recently restarted swimming laps indoors as an exercise and well-being tool after spending much of the summer swimming outdoors.

Swimming is good for you – duh!

The health benefits—both physical (just look at the bodies of Olympic swimmers) and mental—are well documented. As a post on the United Kingdom’s Northern Healthcare site notes:

How do lanes in a pool make you feel?

“...The mental health benefits of swimming are undeniable. Not only does swimming offer a refreshing break from the stresses of daily life, but it also provides a unique environment for mindfulness and relaxation. The rhythmic movements, combined with the soothing sensation of water, can help alleviate anxiety, improve mood, and promote overall well-being. Whether it’s the sense of freedom in the water or the release of endorphins during exercise, swimming offers a holistic approach to mental wellness. So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or in need of a mental boost, consider taking a dip in the pool – your mind will thank you for it.”

Thanks for the pep talk, but swimming doesn’t offer me that respite of calm. Instead I struggle to focus while (in my mind) trudging my way across the pool.

Why am I so distracted by something that’s supposed to offer a focused calm?

Diving in is only part of it

First obstacle, the act of getting to the YMCA to jump into the pool. I need to get into my bathing suit and make sure my goggles, swim cap (gotta protect my gorgeous locks), flip-flops, towel and padlock are packed.

I then need to walk (this time of year in the blustery cold) about seven blocks to the Y.

OK, I’m in the locker room. I got all my gear. I rinse off. I walk into the pool area. Wait, did I forget to lock my locker?

After a trip back to the locker room to confirm that I did actually lock up my stuff, I head back to the pool.

Oh man, is there an open lane? I see one all the way at the end.

OK, I slowly dip myself into the water.

“Come on Dan, I mutter. I forgot to put my goggles on before dipping under.

Fine. Goggles on, cap covering my hair, space in my lane.

Why is swimming so stressful?

If I focus on breathing, I start to feel as though I’m drowning—gasping for air every time I turn my head.

If I focus on my kicking, I nitpick the pointiness (is that a word?) of my toes and worry if my legs are high enough on the surface of the water.

If I focus on my stroke, I’m constantly questioning the fluidity and rhythm of my arms as they hit the water. Is my chest at the right angle?

Four laps down.

I’ll just focus on the bottom of the pool. I start to question why it seems I’m moving so slowly.

What if I hit the lane rope? Is that person hovering on the side of the pool just waiting for me to finish? Do I need to make room to share my lane?

Eight laps down.

Isn’t the pool supposed to be relaxing? 

12 laps.

Why am I so distracted?

16 laps (400 meters).

I’m not feeling any better as I get out of the water. Why can’t I reach that euphoric feeling I get when running, where my mind finally goes quiet?

What does artificial intelligence have to say about focusing in the pool?

I turn to AI for the answer. (Isn’t that the promise we get these days?)

“Gemini, how can I focus while swimming in the pool and block out distractions?”

The rhythmic nature of swimming is perfect for practicing mindfulness. Instead of letting your mind wander, focus on the physical sensations of the swim:

• Focus on the "Feel" of the Water: Pay attention to how your hand enters the water, how you press back on it, and the glide between strokes.

• Use Your Breathing as an Anchor: Synchronize your inhale and exhale with your stroke count. Feel the air flooding your lungs and the bubbles escaping into the water.

I tried those! It’s obvious that AI has never been in a pool.

Maybe Gemini’s other suggestions to set clear goals and find “Waterproof Music Players” can still help. 

OK, now I’m down a rabbit hole searching for the best waterproof earbuds online. How much should those cost?

I guess distraction is always lurking around every turn—whether kicking off the wall or not.

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