How a Closed Pool Over Christmas Threw Me Into Chaos

The other day, I caught myself standing in front of my swim bag, just staring at it. It’s not like I forgot how to swim... I’ve been practically a fish for years. But ever since the pool closed over Christmas, and people have been in their "new year new me" vibes, making the pool so busy you can hardly swim anywhere, I’ve been avoiding it like it’s the deep end of some emotional swamp.

Momentum is such a sneaky thing. When I’m in the flow of regular swims, it’s like clockwork: pack the bag, drive to the pool, glide through the water, feel amazing afterward. Rinse and repeat. But then Christmas came. The pool shut down for a week, and just like that, my rhythm was gone. I told myself I’d get right back to it in January, but here we are, and that swim bag’s gathering dust.

Why is it so hard to restart? Turns out, it’s not just me being lazy. Psychologists have a term for this: the "status quo bias." Dr. Elliot Berkman, a behavioral neuroscientist, explains that once we settle into a new routine, even if it’s one of inactivity, our brain resists change. It’s not personal; it’s biology. Our brains crave predictability, even if the current “predictable” isn’t exactly good for us.

Then there’s the mental health part. Exercise isn’t just good for our bodies; it’s like a reset button for our minds. Swimming, for me, was more than exercise, it was therapy. It kept me in momentum with other areas of my life, too. Dr. Sarah Gingell, a clinical psychologist, has written about how physical activity releases endorphins, lowers cortisol (our stress hormone), and improves mood. She calls it “a natural antidepressant.” When I swam regularly, I felt more grounded, more in control. Without it, let’s just say the holiday stress hit a little harder than usual this year.

So, what now? How do I break through this post-Christmas inertia? The answer, ironically, is to start small. James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, talks about the importance of “reducing the friction” for habits we want to pick up again. Maybe instead of committing to a full swim session, I start by just packing my bag. Then driving to the pool. Then walking in, even if all I do is float around like a sea otter for ten minutes.

It’s about building that momentum again, brick by brick. Psychologists call it the “progress principle”—even small wins create a sense of accomplishment, which fuels more action. It’s like nudging a boulder; the first push is the hardest, but once it’s rolling, it takes less effort to keep it going.

I’m sharing all this because I know I’m not the only one. Whether it’s swimming, running, or even just getting out for a walk, we’ve all felt that post-holiday slump. And maybe the key is to be gentle with ourselves. Instead of berating myself for “falling off the wagon,” I’m trying to reframe it. The wagon’s still there; I just need to climb back on, one step at a time.

So here’s my plan: tomorrow, I’m putting on my swimsuit. No expectations, no pressure—just one small step to remind myself how good it feels to move again. And who knows? Maybe that’ll be enough to tip the scales. Wish me luck.