Nathan, Cruden Bay, Postie. 

I lived, worked and travelled in Asia for 6 years where my I found my two Balinese rescue dogs

I like having challenges that force me to push myself, physically, mentally or in the case of the October challenge both.

Physically I found my body began to adapt pretty quickly to the cold water, on day one I think I had three pairs of lycra shorts on with thick neoprene gloves and booties, half way through the month I'd converted to just a pair of budgie smugglers and my smile. 

Mentally the biggest obstacle was the initial push to just get in, especially the nights where id finish work late and have to go at night, or when the weather was particularly turbulent. I just had to get myself into a headspace of adversity making sure I wasbarrelling into the surf with the biggest grin during those dark stormy dips.

I actually had a combination of most of the above. Regular spots for me were the harbour and beach at Cruden Bay which I'm lucky enough to live a short stroll from, but I had some spectacular dips after hikes in and around the highlands and also up and down the Aberdeenshire coast. 

I'd always have some gear in my car so if I finished early I would pick a stretch of coast and go exploring looking for adventurous little spots. I found some incredible rock pools around Newburgh and Cove that I nicknamed mermaid baths.

I really like the black changing robe, I'm hoping that I can smash some overtime out and treat myself to one.

I mean Hackley Bay is pretty incredible IYKYK!

How therapeutic cold water dipping was for both my physical and mental health. I felt fantastic during the 31 days and even decided to carry on up to 50 days of dips. I had a great sense of clarity and calm and actively looked forward to that time of the day when I could go out and enjoy the water.

Stay safe!! If going solo let someone know where you're going, and how long you plan to be. Have everything you need prepped for when you get out the water to get your body temp back up, water bottle in change robe, hot drink, big fluffy socks etc.

I think its important to safeguard your mental health by building resilience, I'm a big advocate of Stoicism and creating a ‘bulletproof’ mind. I believe getting out of your comfort zone and subjecting yourself to external stressors enables you to be more in control of internal struggles and inner noise like self doubt, anxiety and depression. 

Following on Community is important to me as it can forma pillar of mental health. Having like minded, kind and positive individuals around you that share interests and beliefs can form important support systems and forge life long connections and bonds. I'm fairly new to this are of the world, having only been in the NE for just over a year and CANT WAIT!! To get more involved with the phenomenal Seashell community.

Thank you very much to Nathan for his interview. We are always excited to see his adventures online and look forward to having him along to future meetups.

Our aim is to share other people's stories. Whether you have a story about mental health, community or why you started wild swimming for example. 

If you would like to be featured in our Seashell stories then email us on: support@seashellcsc.com