SWITCH OFF
- COOTS
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
We don't know about you but the world seems a bit chaotic at the moment and it’s very easy to get caught up in the madness. So we are going to take advantage of the long weekend, put down our phones and laptops and go do some bits that are good for the mind, body and soul. Here’s a few ideas to help switch off and you know, enjoy yourself.
SWITCH OFF AND GO SWIMMING
Might seem like an obvious one but when was the last time you went swimming to just swim?! Not for training, not to improve your technique but just to be in the water and enjoy that feeling. So go float, dive, hold your breath, pop a handstand… just muck about really. If you fancy trying a new pool to mix things up check out our swim spots map for pools, lidos and open water venues in London and beyond. Get out there and in there.
SWITCH OFF AND GO SWEAT IT OUT
Community saunas seem to be popping up everywhere and for good reason. No longer just to be found in pretentious health clubs or far flung fjords these saunas are for the people. Sitting in a sweaty box wearing a funny hat is a surprisingly good conversation starter - think after hours club smoking area without the dilated pupils and second hand smoke. Add in a cold barrel plunge and you’ll emerge a new person, maybe even with a new mate.
SWITCH OFF AND GO CULTURE AND THAT
We’ve been looking forward to this one for a while - ‘Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style’ comes to the Design Museum in Kensington. Curated by dress and design historian Amber Butchart, the exhibit dives into design’s role in shaping our relationship with swimming, both in the water and out, from sport performance and fashion to architecture. Tbh we are absolutely fuming we weren’t invited to be a part of it - I mean come on, ‘sport performance and fashion’ - that’s what we do baby! Highlights include Pamela’s red Baywatch suit and Swim Dem Crew’s short documentary ‘Beyond the Blue’. It’s gonna be sick.
SWITCH OFF AND GO DANCE
Music is a constant vibration through COOTS - even our name is inspired by a Laura Marling song. It soundtracks everything we do from looking for inspiration to designing to production. We find nothing as immediate and all consuming as live music - dark rooms and loud music really do wonders for bringing you back to the present and making you live in the moment.
We’re off to see Oscar Jerome at Scala (Kings Cross) on Tuesday (22 April). His unique blend of jazz and soul is perfect for a little bop and boogie. Check your local listings and take a gamble - you never know you could end up discovering your new favourite band. Just keep your phone in your pocket - you’re never gonna watch that scratchy video so switch off and enjoy the show.
SWITCH OFF AND GO READ A BOOK
Yes you might read a couple of pages before nodding off in bed but bet it’s been a while since you sat down and spent some quality time reading with no distractions. Apparently reading for just 30 mins a week can increase your health and well being. Pick up that book that you’ve been meaning to read but is currently collecting dust on your shelf, plonk yourself down in your favourite comfy chair, breath and read. If you need a good recommendation we’ve been loving ‘Swimming Studies’ by ex-competitive swimmer Leanne Shapton. The book explores her swimming experience from joining a swim team aged 10 to Olympic Trials and beyond. Her evocative language and quirky illustrations make it very relatable even if you’ve only ever so much as dipped a toe into a pool.
Right we're switching off - see you on the other side and...
SEE YOU IN THE WATER.