How scuba diving cleanses one’s soul and mental being

Image source: Pixabay.com 

From a close encounter with marine life to the therapeutic effects of the ocean and the outdoors, scuba diving offers a wealth of benefits for mental wellness. Whether one is a recreational beginner or an experienced deep sea diver that does it for work, these benefits aren’t to be ignored.

Stress relief Modern life is fraught with challenge at school or work, and the never-ending mission to win or get ahead of others. Scuba diving is an effective stress relief where breathing slowly and deeply while diving incites a calm and relaxed state while the diver concentrates on the underwater world, not life’s problems. This helps reduce stress and balance the nervous system.

Image source: Pixabay.com  

Travel and socialization Diving is an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and build or become part of a community. The experiences made underwater lead to conversations and a bond that can last a long time. Traveling to warm climates to dive is also a great way to experience new cultures, have fun, and soak in some sun for its mental benefits.

Mindfulness and being present in the moment With its focus on natural navigation, scuba diving heightens one’s presence in and observation of specific moments. It comes easy for divers to observe the most important rule in mindfulness, which is to observe, not judge. In highly concentrating, too, they are lost in time, feeling the happiness that the experience affords, and puts the past, the future, and their problems behind.

Tup Ingram, M.D. is a reconstructive and plastic surgeon raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, currently holding practice in Nashville, Tennessee. When he’s not busy with work, he enjoys flying, scuba diving, and exercising. Learn more about his passions on this page.