The Know Daily - Tuesday 20 January 2026

_{Read in 4m 17s ∙ Listening to Dolly Parton ∙}

Students at Louisa County High School in Virginia have been using the skills they’ve learned in their auto tech class to refurbish cars before donating them to single mothers in need. They’ve been doing it for 8 years and are still going strong! Who’s cutting onions in here? 🥹

🏊 Wild swimming

More than 7.5 million people have ventured into rivers, lakes, lidos and the sea in the UK in recent years, according to the Outdoor Swimming Society. 

What is wild swimming?
Have you ever taken a dip in natural or outdoor waters rather than a pool? If the answer is yes, then you’ve officially been wild swimming! People swim year-round, enjoying the invigorating cold-water buzz in winter and warmer summer swims. For many, it’s about freedom, escape and reconnecting with nature, offering a break from the pressures of daily life. 

What are the benefits?
Wild swimming delivers a mix of physical, mental and social benefits:

• Mental health: Swimming outdoors can reduce stress, improve mood and give a sense of calm. A lot of swimmers describe it as a “sanctuary” to reflect and recharge. 

• Physical health: Cold water boosts circulation, strengthens immunity and has even been proven to help menstrual symptoms.

• Social connection: Wild swimming is often done in groups or retreats, fostering community and friendship. Informal groups across the UK now have up to a million participants, showing just how social this activity has become.

Who’s doing it?
Wild swimming attracts people of all ages, but it has become particularly female-centered. In fact, about two thirds of outdoor swimmers are women. Communities like the Salt Sisterhood in Cornwall focus on empowerment, confidence and connection, giving women a safe, supportive space to swim outdoors. Many say it’s the only time they feel fully present and part of a caring community. 

How do you find a spot?
In London, Hampstead Heath ponds are an iconic choice, with mixed, men’s and women-only pools, and Hackney is planning a free wild swimming spot featuring a sandy beach and natural pools for community use. But wild swimming is accessible across the UK, from lakes and rivers in the Lake District, Snowdonia and Scottish lochs to coastal locations like Margate. For city-dewellers, the London Assembly has recommended creating ten new wild swimming spots in the city by 2034.

However, if you already have your eye on a spot, it’s important to check how safe the water is to swim in. You can use this handy government tool. It’s also important to be mindful when travelling to these spots and ensuring you don’t disturb the nature around you and pick up any litter that may have accumulated after a day of dipping.

TL;DR.
At its core, wild swimming reflects a shift toward slower, more intentional ways of living. Whether it’s a cold dip before work or a summer swim with friends, it offers people a simple, low-cost way to reconnect with nature, carve out headspace and feel part of a community.

The Know has teamed up with femme health to bring you an incredible countryside escape! And good news… you’re already entered just by reading this edition!

One lucky reader will win a £1600 voucher to spend on a retreat of your choice at The Dreaming. This is a truly transformative wellness retreat in the heart of Wales, created by Charlotte Church as a magical, nature-immersed sanctuary of ritual, creativity, deep rest and soulful reconnection.

🗳️ Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has called a snap general election for 8 February, just three months after becoming leader.

• The bigger story: Takaichi, the country’s first female prime minister, says she wants voters to decide whether she has the mandate to lead, as she seeks public support for tax cuts, increased spending and other parts of her policy agenda. The election comes with more than two years left in the current parliamentary term and could shape Japan’s political priorities on the economy and defence. Her plans could also ripple beyond Japan, with tax changes potentially affecting the trade of cars and electronics in the UK and Europe.

🌊 The High Seas Treaty has come into effect after being passed by the United Nations last year, aiming to create marine protected areas and use ocean resources sustainably. For more info, you can read our previous deep dive here.

👩‍⚕️ Scientists have developed a simple blood test that can predict which breast cancer treatment will work best for each patient.

🪐 A mysterious shape has appeared within a well-known nebula (a giant cloud of dust in space) that is 2,600 light-years from Earth.

🎬 Hollywood’s highest-grossing animated film of all time took $1.7bn at the box office globally. Any guesses what it could be?

🌱 A plant species that has been presumed to be extinct has made a reappearance after almost 60 years.

🪕 Dolly Parton celebrated her 80th birthday by releasing a new version of an old classic with the proceeds going towards paediatric cancer research. We just can’t compete with you, Dolly!

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Trivia answer: A) Switzerland came out on top with more than half of job seekers reporting experience abroad.

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