10 Reason Why Diving is Good for Your Health

Diving isn’t just an exciting way to enjoy the ocean, but as a sport is also good for the body and the mind. As a PADI Diver, you will be able to optimise the wellness benefits of Scuba diving. In addition, the emotions and experiences you love to get when diving, here are ten ways diving is good for you – no matter what your age, size or diving experience.

Exposure to Sunlight

Vitamin D is crucial for our health, yet it is difficult to consume it from food in adequate amounts. Luckily our exposure to sunlight provides the body with Vitamin D. In turn, this promotes the absorption of calcium in the body which is essential for bone health.

It’s likely that your diving trips involve some, if not a lot, of sunshine. So regular outings with a layer of sunscreen on your skin will help ensure that your body is getting enough Vitamin D!

Plus being that The Waterhoppers are based on Rhodes Island in Greece (AKA island of the sun), why not join us for some Vitamin D now and for the summer of 2023.

Mindful Breathing

As we all know, the most important “rule” of scuba diving is to never stop breathing. Paying attention to your rhythm of breathing helps calm the nervous system. Deep breathing can also build exercise stamina, boost the immune system, and clear the mind for better focus.

Meditation

Many people are intimidated by finding stillness in meditation, but divers do it all the time – even if they don’t realise. Meditation reduces age-related memory loss, fights addictions, calms the mind, and promotes emotional health and self-awareness. You may think of meditation as sitting still, in silence, with your eyes closed. However, meditation involves focusing your attention on one thing which in diving, involves your breath, and the big blue.

Physical Fitness

Swimming against the current, fin kicks, and even carrying scuba gear requires effort on the entire body and burns calories. Diving is a relaxing sport, but the act of movement underwater raises your heart rate, tones muscles, and builds endurance and strength. In addition, activity under water is also easier on the joints and ligaments.

Lower Blood Pressure

While an exciting animal encounter or strong current can increase the heart rate, the overall diving experience is usually a relaxing one, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. Lower water temperatures can also physically calm the body and the blood vessels, resulting in a lower heart rate and lower blood pressure.

Interaction with Outdoor Elements

Exploring a new environment, even if you have a logbook full of dives, is always a unique experience. Exposing you to the warmth of the sun, colourful underwater panoramic views, and playful marine life ignites a happier and more joyful mood. What’s even better the colour blue, the colour of the ocean, creates calming chemicals in the body. This has been dubbed “Blue Mind,” which is not diving dependent. You just have to be by the water to gain the benefits.

Increased Flexibility

The movements we make while diving is different from those you usually do in the gym. Slow fin kicks and core engagement during a dive lengthens muscles and builds a stronger abdomen. The results can lead to leaner muscle tone and better posture. Additionally, learning to relax the body and the mind in tandem allows your muscles to feel “safe” to relax and therefore increase your flexibility.

Good for the Planet

When divers participate in events like beach cleans, or by simply picking up any plastics or netting found on a reef, they are cleaning up the ocean and protecting marine life. Even the smallest act contributes to the wellness of the ocean, which affects the water system, food chain, and overall health of the food and water being consumed. Also, by participating in conservation activities it’s actually good for your general health and wellbeing.

Better Sleep

After a day of diving, it’s not uncommon to have a more restful sleep. Some divers experience more vivid dreams. The flowing movements, underwater scenery, mindful breathing, and the dive experience everything contributes positively to physical and emotional mindset.

Increases Dopamine and Serotonin Levels

Often called your “happy hormones” both dopamine and serotonin play major roles in your body’s happiness and reward systems. The former is a neurotransmitter which helps to regulate your motivation levels. Achievements, like gaining an Open Water certification, help to boost dopamine levels.

Serotonin is linked to the feeling of happiness, which you’ll most likely experience during and after diving! Maintaining healthy levels of these happy hormones helps contribute to good mental health and wellbeing.