Taking time off from your regular life and work is highly essential to rejuvenate your mind and body. Whatever may be the activity you opt for whether lounging in the warm sunshine or doing something fun, you’re sure to come back rested and refreshed. Choose to go on recreational or pro scuba diving vacations, and you’ll find that spending time undersea relaxes and strengthens your body and also acts as a vital stress buster. It may interest you to know that according to Quora, close to 2.7 million to 3.5 million people in the U.S. go scuba diving each year. Go ahead and train as a diver and you’ll be amazed at the many physical and psychological health benefits you get.
Psychological Benefits of Scuba Diving Vacations
Alleviate Stress
As the instructors at the Cozumel scuba diving company advise, underwater swimming is all about breathing techniques and being keenly aware of your surroundings. You’ll focus on inhaling and exhaling in the right way and taking slow, measured breaths similar to when you’re meditating. The slowed breathing induces the mind to calm down and let go of stress and anxiety. You’ll forget about the cares and worries of the outside world and enter into a weightless world. Divers regain a positive mental outlook as the mind and body return to a balanced state. By the time you get back to land, your feelings of depression and indecision will have washed away.
Practice Mindfulness
Yet another of the basic benefits of scuba diving vacations is learning the art of mindfulness. When swimming in the sea, you’ll learn to be aware of your surroundings and not touch any flora and fauna. The instructor will also teach you how to detect which way leads to the surface because the lack of gravity can disorient you. Learning to communicate using hand signals, making gentle deliberate movements, and complete awareness also help understand the art of mindfulness and peace. You’ll instinctively follow the lessons in everyday living and your life will be richer for it.
Improve Emotional Wellness
Colors have a significant impact on your emotional wellness and brain activity. How you feel and think also depends on the colors around you and that’s a fact corroborated by this article on HuffPost. The beautiful blue of the water inspires serenity and calm. At the same time, viewing the refreshing green of sea flora and the kaleidoscope of bright hues of the innumerable sea creatures evokes peace. Imagine not just visiting an aquarium but entering the environment where you’re immersed in a riot of colors. By the time you emerge to the surface, you’ll feel happier and more secure.
Physical Benefits of Scuba Diving Vacations
Improve Muscle Tone and Flexibility
When you swim underwater, the currents and resistance of the water exerts pressure on your muscles making them work harder. Diving into high pressure areas of the sea and swimming strengthens your muscle tone and improves flexibility. Each time your legs push against the water to propel you further, they gain length and endurance. Swimming has the added advantage of developing your core muscles which improves your posture and stamina levels in day-to-day living. As this feature on The HealthSite advises, the exertion also diverts more oxygen-rich blood to your body tissues when the capillaries and other vessels expand. As a result, your body takes on a leaner, well-toned appearance and you’ll have better endurance levels when you return to work.
Gain Overall Wellness through Hydrotherapy
Scientists have proved that spending time underwater can have myriad benefits for your overall health. Check out this article on VeryWell Health that explains how water affects your body. The shock of the cold seawater hitting your skin causes capillaries to constrict and divert blood to the inner organs to keep them warm and functional. The added blood flow stimulates the repair and rejuvenation of your vital organs. As the body adjusts to the cool environment and you start to swim, blood flow returns to the exterior muscles. This process encourages circulation in the entire body so you’re healthier and fitter.
Exercising underwater also relieves many illnesses like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. That’s because water loosens your joints and relaxes muscles. Though, you may want to check with your instructor about the safety of scuba diving if you have any health conditions that can affect your ability to swim and dive.
Benefits of Saltwater Immersion on Your Skin and Good Looks
Seawater contains a high salt content of 35,000 parts per million (ppm). Immersing your body in saltwater on scuba diving vacations gives you a range of benefits. To begin with, sodium chloride causes osmosis where the excess fluids are forced out of your body cells. Salt is also known to have healing properties for your skin thanks its anti-bacterial and healing properties. You’ll see that your skin looks hydrated and nourished, and loses the dry, scaly feel and look. Right after your scuba diving session, your instructor will advise drinking lots of water. This added intake helps detoxification so your body flushes out the buildup of toxins.
Lower Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure that is erratic and not under control, the diving instructor may advise that you avoid the activity. But, if you receive a clean health chit to go diving, you might find that swimming underwater helps lower hypertension levels. Breathing slowly and deeply promotes reduced heart rates so you feel calmer and more in control. In fact, studies have shown that regular diving can lower your risks of getting strokes and heart attacks.
Scuba diving vacations have an immense number of benefits for your mind and body. In addition to the benefits listed above, the activity is known to boost self-esteem, confidence, and the ability to make friends. You’ll also feel stronger and healthier. Plan a holiday to the seaside this summer and come home looking and feeling awesome.
