The Therapeutic Benefits of Scuba Diving

Do you find the rush of life sometimes overwhelming? Do you find yourself looking for a way to relax and calm your mind? Then diving is the activity for you. Life seems to be getting more and more stressful and daunting by the year. Politics, social media and global warming are just some of the pressures we face every day, but when you dive into the blue these issues disappear for a moment. In this blog I am going to be talking about the therapeutic benefits of Scuba diving and why I think everyone should try it.

SILENCE (more or less)

For me one of the best parts of diving is the inability to communicate as we do on the surface. You cannot speak or expresses emotions and opinions as simply as you can in day to day life. This lack of communication gives you the opportunity to shut off life on the surface momentarily and allows you to relax and focus on the beauty surrounding you. Silence has been proven to stimulate brain growth, relieve stress and heighten sensitivity, therefore boosting overall well-being. It just you, the silence (apart from the tank banging from your guide when they spot 7 Mola Mola’s) and the beauty the ocean has to offer.

BREATHING

As divers we take slow deep breaths as it is better for air consumption and gas exchange. As you probably know if you have ever been in a panicked situation the first thing people will tell you to do is breathe. This is because slow deep breathing helps alleviate stress tremendously. It also improves blood flow, increases energy levels and is a natural pain killer. So no wonder divers always seem so relaxed.

FLOATING

Another one of my favorite aspects of diving is the feeling of weightlessness. There is nothing better than swimming out into the blue (responsibly of course) and hovering there. You look all around and get a sense of what it might feel like to fly. The act of floating in a seemingly anti-gravity environment is one of the most calming feelings I have ever experienced. There is in fact an entire therapy based on floating. It has been show to improve sleep, is great for stress relief and treating stress related illnesses, provides pain relief and reduces anxiety.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Not only is diving great for mental health but it also has lots of physical health benefits. Swimming is both an aerobic and anaerobic sport which provides very little strain on the joints and can improve flexibility. During diving we are swimming against the resistance of water and currents which strengthen muscles and endurance (this may come in handy when helping lift tanks and scuba gear).

TRAVEL

To be able to go diving the average person has to travel. Travel has been proven to have lots of amazing health benefits. It exposes you to new environments which creates stronger antibodies and boosts your immune system (a good thing when fighting against Bali belly). Travel expands your mind as you adapt to new environments and become more culturally and globally aware.  New experiences increase cognitive flexibility and creativity. Research has shown those who travel are more open and emotionally stable. Might be time to book a diving holiday?

 SUNLIGHT

With traveling to dive locations comes sunlight (most of the time). The sun is great for our bodies as vitamin D promotes absorption of calcium which strengthen our bones and boosts endorphin production to the brain- yet another reason why divers are super happy.

FRIENDS

Last but not least. You meet so many great people when diving. You find yourself surrounded by likeminded people who share your passion. You find yourself growing as a person and becoming more educated as divers are role models and inspire you to be your best. This is just my list of what I find most therapeutic about scuba diving. I would highly encourage you to go out and find your own.

Written by Blue Corner Dive Divemaster Beth Land