Anna Szalkowski
From “Warm Showerer” to Winter Swimmer
Until spring 2023, Anna considered herself a self-proclaimed “warm showerer” – until she discovered winter swimming. Her first steps into the cold water were a challenge, but after just a few attempts, her body adapted surprisingly quickly. Since then, winter swimming has become an integral part of her life.
Anna especially values the mental strength that regular swimming in cold water enhances in her. For her, every moment of immersing herself in the icy water is an exercise in consciously relaxing the body in uncomfortable situations and accepting present circumstances – a skill she applies in other areas of her life as well. A particular highlight was her participation in the Winter Swimming World Championship in spring 2024 in Tallinn, Estonia.
The Positive Effects of Winter Swimming
Anna emphasizes the diverse positive impacts of winter swimming on both body and mind:
Goodbye Winter Blues: Winter days lose their dreariness. Winter swimming invigorates and brings joy – even euphoria.
Less Sensitivity to Cold: The body adapts and becomes more resistant to cold.
Relaxation: Muscle tension decreases.
Better Stress Resilience: Mental strain is easier to handle.
Anna hopes for further scientific research to better understand and validate the many positive aspects of winter swimming.
Warmhearted Encounters
For Anna, winter swimming is not only a physical but also a social experience. She loves the warmhearted interactions during regular swim meetups and the shared soup meals afterward.
Offer:
Anna serves as a winter swimming host at Ufschütti in Lucerne (as a holiday substitute) – in all weather conditions, whether wind, rain, snow, or sunshine. She combines her expertise as a physician with her passion for winter swimming and is always happy to answer participants’ questions.
Tips for Winter Swimmers:
Warm Clothing: Thick ski gloves and weatherproof clothing are essential.
Gradual Acclimatization: Slowly push your limits step by step.
Personal Responsibility: Listen to your body and take care of yourself.
Education:
Dr. med. Anna Szalkowski is a board-certified psychiatrist and psychotherapist (FMH) and a medical consultant (SGV). She also has expertise in clinical hypnosis following Milton Erickson’s methods. Additionally, she has successfully completed the Basic Pool Lifesaving Certificate (Basis-Brevet Pool) from the Swiss Lifesaving Society (SLRG).