Week 6: Inspiration

The long window and the open area of the bathing space are both inspired by the thermal baths in Vals, Switzerland by Peter Zumthor, where he focused on natural light into the space

One of my inspiration to why i wanted the whole space of the bathing area to be open, is from the one of the most popular Onsen spots from Tokyo is Takaragawa Onsen ,Osenkaku which is located in Manakami Onsen.

Hot Spring baths of Minakami Onsen in Japan. Minakami is a popular got spring destination with some rather famous baths, including outdoor baths with beaitoful views of nature.

My favourite bathing experience is submerging my whole body into the water at the beach at night. It gives me the feeling of relaxation and stress free as nothing beats more than the waves hitting the seashore, the calming effects wash over me like water while my feet can feel how soft the sands are. At night it’s more calming and quiet as not many people go out at night to swim at the beach.

However i also like the feeling of the sun and the waves combined as both works to completely relaxes your body and free you from daily stresses. As the sun immediately help regulate a person’s hormones- making it heasier later that night to get a peaceful and deep sleep.

Ever since i was young i’ve always loved swimming outdoors specifically beaches, were i am not constricted by any walls as it gives me the feeling of freedom and i have noticed my happiness increased compared to swimming indoors.

Benefits about swimming outdoors

It is scientifically proven that: Info below can be found at swimming.org)

Better sleep

When you swim outdoors, the cold water stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which is responsible for repairing the body. Stimulating the PNS promotes a feeling of relaxation, often with a sense of contentment, which should deliver a better night’s sleep.

Better circulation

When we become cold, blood rushes to our organs, making our hearts work a little bit harder. Every time you swim outdoors, the cold water helps to boost your circulation by pumping blood through your capillaries, arteries and veins.

Increased happiness

You’ll know that immersing yourself in cold water. Whether in the sea, the Serpentine or simply in the shower, it can make your skin sting and take your breath away. To reduce the stinging sensation, your brain releases endorphins (painkillers produced by your body), which results in a feeling of wellbeing once you’re back on dry land. Combine this with a workout in the great outdoors (proven to reduce stress and promote mental wellbeing) and you have a powerful way to inject some happiness into your day!

Increased metabolism

Swimming in cold water makes your body work harder to keep warm, which increases the number of calories you burn. The colder the water, the more energy your body will convert from fat to fire up your metabolism and keep your core temperature stable.

Boosted immune system

Immersing your body in cold water for an hour can shock the immune system and help produce more white blood cells and more antioxidants. This can help to boost your immune system and reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.

Better skin

Cold water exfoliates the skin, flushing out impurities and making it smoother. This all adds up to you feeling better inside and out every time you swim outdoors.

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