Diving isn’t just an exciting way to enjoy the ocean. The underwater sport is also good for the body and the mind. As a PADI Open Water Diver, you will be able to optimize the wellness benefits our blue planet gifts us all. In addition to all the reasons to love scuba (i.e., it helps us disconnect and take in the underwater world), here are thirteen ways diving is good for you – no matter your age, size, or diving ability.
1. Exposure to Sunlight
Vitamin D is crucial for our health, yet it is difficult to consume it from food in adequate amounts. Luckily exposure to the sun 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 reef-safe sunscreen on your skin will help ensure that your body is getting enough Vitamin D!
2. Mindful Breathing
As we all know, the most important “rule” of scuba diving is to never stop breathing. And learning to breathe mindfully is the key to developing good buoyancy, improving your air consumption, and relaxing so that you can enjoy a dive.
Paying attention to the rhythm of your breath stabilizes any negative feelings and helps to calm the nervous system. Deep breathing can also build exercise stamina, boost the immune system, and clear the mind for better focus.
3. Meditation
Many people are intimidated by finding stillness in meditation. But divers do it all the time – even if they don’t realize it. Meditation controls anxiety, 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 is simply about focusing your attention on one thing. Which, in diving, involves your breath and the big blue.
4. Aerobic 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. When compared to other forms of exercise, diving is an excellent low-impact aerobic workout. In addition, activity underwater is also easier on the joints and ligaments.
5. Builds Strength
Scuba diving may not be the first activity that comes to mind when thinking of strength training. However, if you think of everything you do before and after a dive, such as carrying tanks or surface swimming to get to the point of entry, you will be surprised by just how much muscle strength scuba diving builds over time. Even the act of finning around a coral reef engages your leg muscles and core, making them stronger and more toned.
Looking to get into dive shape? Check out this guide to fitness for diving.
6. Increases Flexibility
The movements we make while diving are different from those we usually do in the gym. Slow fin kicks and core engagement during a dive lengthen muscles and build 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 increases your flexibility.
7. Lowers Blood Pressure
While an exciting animal encounter, such as seeing dolphins, manta rays, or sharks, or a 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.
8. Better Sleep
After a day of diving, it’s not uncommon to have a more restful sleep. Some divers experience more vivid (underwater) dreams. The flowing movements, underwater scenery, mindful breathing, and the dive experience as a whole contribute positively to one’s physical and emotional mindset. A happier disposition at the end of the day makes it easier for anyone to fall into a deep slumber – and ready to wake up refreshed and rejuvenated.
9. Interaction with Outdoor Elements
Exploring a new environment, even if you have a logbook full of dives, is always a unique experience. Exposing yourself to the warmth of the sun, colorful underwater panoramic views, and playful marine life ignites a happier and more joyful mood.
Many studies show that just being close to water has therapeutic effects, creating calming chemicals in the body. This has been dubbed “Blue Mind,” and it’s definitely not diving-dependent. You just have to be by the water to reap the benefits. However, diving gives you the opportunity for a digital detox, allowing you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and interact with blue nature in its most wild form.
10. Does Good for the Planet
When divers participate in events like Dive Against Debris or simply pick 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. And this, in turn, affects the water system, food chain, and overall health of the food and water being consumed. Studies show that participating in conservation activities is actually good for your general health and well-being.
11. Increases Dopamine & 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 that helps to regulate your motivation levels. Achievements, like gaining an Open Water Diver certification, help to boost dopamine levels.
Serotonin is associated with feelings 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 well-being.
12. Creates Community
Diving is a great way to make new friends that share your passion for the ocean. You can join your local dive club, take part in underwater cleanups and join social gatherings that dive centers often host. Not only will these activities help you build relationships, but they also provide you with an opportunity to share your love of diving with others, explore new dive sites, and learn from more experienced divers. You might find yourself going on new adventures to new places with your newfound friends.
13. Builds confidence
Diving is a unique sport that requires adaptability, problem-solving, and focus. Overcoming fears, planning a successful dive, and learning new skills are all part of the journey. You learn to rely on yourself and trust your judgment when navigating the underwater environment or dealing with unexpected situations. And this gives you a sense of accomplishment and boosts your self-esteem.
Knowing you have the skill set to be comfortable underwater and handle any situation is hugely gratifying. And when you conquer these challenges, you may find that it spills over into other aspects of life.
Ready to Experience Blue Health and #LiveUnfiltered?
The benefits of diving are quite outstanding. As divers, we love the sport and adventure itself and have already felt many of the above; but for non-divers, it’s great to be aware of just how many positives this magical activity can bring into your life. By learning to dive, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the benefits of the blue and give yourself an excuse to get back in the water – and do something healthy for yourself.
Ready to jump in and reap the health benefits of scuba diving? Sign up for a full diving course now and start learning today with PADI eLearning. Alternatively, reach out to a PADI Dive Center to try diving.
