The Europeans | European news, politics and culture
Cold water, warm hearts
Dec 11, 2024
Katharina Smets is an audio maker and a member of Antwerp's biggest cold plunge club, known for her expertise in cold water swimming. She shares fascinating insights into the health benefits of cold exposure, highlighting its positive impacts on mental health and addiction recovery. The conversation also touches on the cultural significance of cold swims during winter festivities across Europe. Additionally, they humorously discuss Greece's festive pricing policies and the controversy surrounding the Vatican's Christmas tree, making for a lively and engaging dialogue.
58:59
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Quick takeaways
- Cold water swimming serves as a therapeutic practice for many Europeans, offering significant mental and physical health benefits during the winter months.
- The Greek government's 'household basket' policy aims to alleviate financial strain for low-income families during the festive season amidst rising living costs.
Deep dives
The Festive Tradition of Cold Water Swimming
Cold water swimming is an enduring tradition in Europe, especially prominent during the winter holidays. Many Europeans partake in this practice as a way to embrace the festive spirit, often dressing in creative swimwear such as Santa outfits while taking the plunge into icy waters. This annual custom is not only limited to Christmas or New Year; it serves as a year-round routine for some, offering therapeutic and communal benefits. The podcast highlights how this practice has gained popularity recently, with more people recognizing its potential health advantages, both mental and physical.
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