I love running and now run again, but I started learning swimming during a knee injury.
One thing it re-taught me was how rewarding it is to learn or improve a non-work related skill dramatically. I picked up juggling (poorly) and jump rope since.
Two, I knew I was getting a stroke down when I knew when to glide versus to move or exert myself. Maybe a metaphor but practically it makes 40 laps enjoyable instead of torture.
Three, having one hour of somewhat sensory deprived solitude is great therapy.