Annette Sampson is making waves

Many of us start our morning glued to our devices, fuelled by coffee, rushing out the door to sit in traffic. But not Annette Sampson. She dives into her day with a refreshing swim in Chocolate Lake, just a short walk from her home. We chatted with Annette, a Halifax-based clinical social worker with the Nova Scotia Health Authority, about how she prioritizes her mental and physical well-being by living an active lifestyle that foregrounds her love for swimming.

Annette developed her swimming skills during her childhood. “I grew up on a harbour in Petit-de-Grat, a fishing village on Cape Breton Island. We would swim in the harbour as soon as the water was safe for swimming. Swimming in cold water was part of life.” 

These early experiences mean she doesn’t let cold days or water stop her. Annette invested in a wet suit so that she can swim well into the fall and even sometimes in the winter. 

Not everyone would trade an extra 30 minutes cosy in bed for a cold swim in a lake; in fact, most people don’t prioritize movement in their morning routine. But Annette is keen to start her day with movement; she believes it sets a positive tone and gives her even more energy to move throughout the day. “Physically, I feel more motivated to eat healthy and move my body,” she says.

The cardiovascular benefits of swimming are significant; it also helps Annette maintain her flexibility and strength. Swimming also serves as a stress reliever – a way to clear her head from her demanding job. “In my swim, I always float on my back and stare at the sky, which helps me forget everything," she says, highlighting the meditative aspect of swimming.

Swimming has also helped Annette to build a supportive community of friends with similar interests. She swims with others, for safety and for fun. In case of emergency, swimmers must have help nearby, and on days when her motivation is low, having someone waiting for her at the lake helps to keep her accountable. “I don’t like disappointing people,” she says. 

Balancing swimming with her professional and personal life requires diligence. She schedules her swims in her agenda because treating them as non-negotiable appointments helps her maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

“Swimming is a lifesaving skill and an activity that you can do regardless of age,” says Annette.  Swimming provides physical benefits without straining the joints and connects you with others in a supportive environment. Whether mastering flip turns or finding tranquility in open water, swimming can be a great source of happiness and fulfilment. 

If you’re considering taking the plunge, remember Annette’s words: “Swimming might just become your new favourite activity.”

 Annette and friends taking a dip