The water sports that help boost your mental health

Water sports are a proven way of improving mental health. If they become part of a monthly routine, it can help with anxiety and depression as well as other conditions as insomnia. But, what makes water sports so good for mental wellbeing and physical relaxation?

Practicing sports in the water is a fun habit that helps improve the mood of people with psychological problems. In addition, it has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety in patients with diseases as fibromyalgia. From Nautical Channel, we recommend the following water sports to help boost your mental health.

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There is plenty of evidence that suggests blue improves mental wellbeing. This is because blue is a soothing colour that can affect our mental state. It is said to calm the mind and help with concentration.

Blue is mostly associated with water. This is also a possible complementary factor of why water sports can help with mental health. Blue spaces can lower the pulse rate and the body temperature. Moreover, it is viewed as a non-threatening colour that calls to mind feelings of calmness and serenity.

Swimming improves mental wellbeing

Swimming is a great form of exercising that has great physical benefits on your overall health. It is beneficial for the mind regardless of the location. Swimming can help relieve stress as it has a very relaxing effect on the mind.

Recent studies show that being immersed in water boosts the blood flow to the brain. This increases the supply of oxygen, glucose and nutrients, suggesting a positive impact on the mental health.

Moreover, swimming for just half an hour is known for lowering incidences of depression and anxiety, as well as to improve sleep patterns. Swimming helps release endorphins, the feel-good hormones that lead to a greater sense of happiness and wellbeing.

Surfing: a fun way to improve your mental health

A lifestyle surrounded by the sea brings positive benefits to our health. It impacts our skin, immune system, articulations and breathing. Surf has been prescribed by doctors for being an outdoor activity practiced in the water.

In addition, patients that suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have reported improving their sleeping pattern after surfing and maintaining a regular wave riding activity. This is because surfing works as an emotional stabilizer. It has a zen effect, soothing your mind and balancing your emotions.

As it is a high-energy sport, it helps us feel calm and reduce stress. This can help with our mood. On occasions, surfing has been recommended to help patients get over loss and grief.

You might find useful: Watching Time Well Spent, the story of four young surfers that endure poverty, abandonment or death with the help of surf and the ocean.

Diving helps us feel relaxed and mindful

Scuba diving also has a proven benefit on mental health. However, medical professionals consider scuba diving a dangerous sport as we are in an environment that does not support human life naturally.

“The times when I have been diving regularly have been my happiest,” says scuba diver instructor Imogen Gray, who has suffered for a long time of generalised anxiety and depression.

Diving has a positive impact on mood as it encourages mindfulness. Also, according to a study by the University of Sheffield’s Medical School, diving improves levels of anxiety, depression and reduces insomnia.

Number one rule of scuba diving is to learn deep breathing. And constantly. This helps focus your attention on the way you inhale and exhale. The mindfulness that comes with diving creates a safe space.

Sailing improves our self-confidence

Sailing has been associated with physical abilities, but recently it has been analysed whether it also improves mental health or not. The Cornish charity, Sea Sanctuary believes it does.

Since they started working with RYA Disability Development Officer, they have seen an enhancement in their activities. They have been offering a four-day-therapy in sailing boats, and many have improved their mental health or de-stressed.

Independently, research shows that sailing enables people to develop skills as self-confidence, resilience, team working and leadership skills. This is interrelated with the psychological health of people.

We recommend: Follow the journey of athletes on the Vendée Globe challenge and find out how this competition has an effect on their mental health.

Stand-up paddleboard helps our psychological strength

Besides being great for physical health, SUP takes the benefits of traditional methods of exercise a step further. As it is practiced in a body of water, it reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and helps with conditions such as panic attacks or sleep problems. 

Will Schmidt, a former marine from the US, dealt with a major depressive disorder with SUP. He opened up about his depression: “It’s not something that goes away. You manage symptoms.” SUP soon became his favourite sport, “I truly believe Stand Up Paddleboarding saved my life.” 

The physiological, musculoskeletal and psychological effects of stand up paddle board has shown a positive correlation between this sport and quality of life. According to a study, SUP appears to be an enjoyable and easy to learn alternative to other sports. This means it is easier to practice and enjoy on a weekly or monthly basis.

These water sports have proven health benefits on mental health. What are your thoughts on the matter? Have you practiced any of these water sports to improve your mental wellbeing? If so, please share a comment with us on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.