Breathe In, Breathe Out - How Scuba Diving Can Boost Your Mental Health
It’s as simple as that. You were taught it in your very first open water course: just keep breathing. It was your first instinct from the second you made your grand entrance into the world. So why, then, do we sometimes find it so difficult to just relax and breathe?
Even before our current 21st-century apocalyptic world became the new norm, life was (and still is) a stressful rollercoaster. There’s always somewhere to be or something to do. An unanswered email sitting in your inbox, an annoying chore at the end of a very long to-do list, a traffic jam that makes you want to scream, a medical issue you’re avoiding, or a difficult conversation you’re dreading. All these little stressors sit in the back of our minds, chirping away and vying for attention like a flock of seagulls eyeing your beach snacks.
Sometimes, there might not even be a specific outside source causing your mental well-being to feel off-kilter. It just is. And you’re not alone. We get it. Life can be hard sometimes.
The Underwater Escape
Sure, we can utilize the standard crutches like hitting the bottle or popping some of “mommy’s special pills” from time to time. But there are healthier alternatives to ease our inner anguish. Enter scuba diving — an unexpected hero in the realm of mental health.
Research has long shown that physical activity and regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, and ADHD. A 2016 study published in the journal “Frontiers in Psychology” found that scuba diving, in particular, can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD and depression. The study suggested that the combination of physical activity, controlled breathing, and exposure to nature contributes to these benefits.
But the perks don’t stop there. Diving also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better (without the need for that nightcap), and boosts your mood in general. The best part? You don’t have to be a fitness freak to reap the benefits. Just getting out there and doing something is half the battle.
Underwater Meditation - The Ultimate Distraction-Free Zone
If you’ve ever thought, “If I just stay really still like this and don’t move, maybe my e-mail won’t find me,” then underwater might be your new happy place. It happens to be the most unchallenging location to practice meditation for mental health. Think about it:
- No distractions
- No WiFi
- No pinging cell phone notifications
- No annoying leaf blowers or construction workers who always seem to find that spot right outside your window
- No nagging partner telling you to pick up your 4-hour-old towel off the floor
Just utter peace.
Mindfulness is a big buzzword these days, and for good reason. A 2018 study in the “Journal of Clinical Psychology” found that mindfulness-based interventions can be particularly effective for individuals with ADHD, improving attention and reducing impulsivity. Staying in the moment and being present is an impressive skill to master, and scuba diving practically forces you into this state.
The Science Behind the Serenity
For an “extreme” sport, scuba diving is surprisingly good for your mental health. Here’s why:
Controlled Breathing: The rhythmic breathing required in diving mimics meditation techniques, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. A 2019 study in the “Journal of Human Sport and Exercise” found that the controlled breathing in scuba diving can lead to improved autonomic nervous system function.
Weightlessness: The feeling of weightlessness underwater can reduce physical tension and promote a sense of freedom, which can be particularly beneficial for those with ADHD who often feel restless.
Blue Mind Effect: Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols coined the term “Blue Mind” to describe the mildly meditative state we fall into when near, in, on, or under water. This state has been linked to reduced stress and increased well-being.
Focus and Concentration: Diving requires constant awareness of your surroundings, depth, and air supply. This need for focus can be particularly beneficial for individuals with ADHD, providing a natural way to practice sustained attention.
Connection with Nature: Exposure to underwater environments can invoke a sense of awe and wonder, which has been linked to reduced stress and increased life satisfaction in numerous psychological studies.
At the very least, nailing a solid breathing technique also does wonders for your buoyancy control. Float like a butterfly-fish, sting like a b(-fire) coral?
Diving into Better Mental Health
So, the next time life feels like it’s drowning you in stress, consider taking the plunge — literally. Scuba diving offers a unique combination of physical activity, mindfulness, and natural beauty that can work wonders for your mental health. Whether you’re dealing with the everyday stresses of modern life, managing ADHD, or just need a break from the constant noise above the surface, the underwater world awaits with open fins.
Remember, it’s as simple as breathe in, breathe out. Just keep swimming, and let the ocean work its magic on your mind.
