When most people think about scuba diving they picture vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles and colourful reef fish and although these are definite reasons to go diving, they are not all that diving has to offer. Did you know that scuba diving has a multitude of positive health effects? Some of the health benefits of scuba diving are derived from the physical activity which it entails, but there are also proven mental health benefits too. In fact, you might be surprised to learn just how far reaching the effects of scuba diving are on both your physical and mental well-being.
Here are just a few of the key benefits which you can experience when you join us for scuba diving in Bali.
1. Breathing and Respiratory Systems:
Scuba diving encourages divers to take long and slow deep breathes. A slow and calm breathing pattern reduces the risk of a lung-expansion injury as well as mucus build up. This breathing pattern has also been known to help with existing conditions such as asthma. The breathing technique used for diving is similar to that used during some styles of meditation and it helps to slow the heart rate, promoting a state of peacefulness. Slow rhythmic breathing can also have a grounding and calming effect on the psyche.
2. Resistance for Strength, Flexibility and Fitness:
Have you heard of resistance training? When you go scuba diving you’ll be doing that too! Whenever you are moving underwater, your muscles have to work harder than they would do on land due to the increased resistance caused by the water around you. The level of resistance increases significantly again when you are swimming into even just a mild current.
The more you dive and swim, the more your muscles begin to strengthen, and you’ll develop endurance as well as flexibility. Scuba diving and swimming don’t just give your legs a workout, it can also help to build up your core strength which is important for a good overall posture in your everyday life.
3. Lower Blood Pressure
Most divers will experience a spike in blood pressure when they first go underwater (due to excitement and adrenaline) but this is usually a temporary increase. Once we have recovered from the initial spike, our heart rate reduces as well as our blood pressure. The slow and deep breathing technique that we learn for diving helps to lower your blood pressure and keep you calm throughout the dive.
4. Travel and Adventure
Although it’s possible to dive virtually anywhere on the planet that has a body of water, divers tend to travel, enjoy exploring and take time to go diving – all of which are excellent ways to destress and have fun. Positive experiences and time out are all proven to be good for your body, mind and soul – much better than being stressed, bored and stuck in a rut. When you start diving in Nusa Lembongan, you’ll begin discovering the region all over again – underwater!
5. Healing Effects of the Water
Being underwater has many healing effects. The likeness to being in the womb is believed to promote feelings of security, well-being and happiness. In addition, being in saltwater for long periods of time can cause your body to dehydrate meaning that you tend to drink a lot more after the dive which means that you are replenishing your cells, receiving all of the benefits of the water both externally and internally.
6. Interaction with Marine Life
Seeing stunning coral reefs and an array of fish and critters is enough to put anyone in a good mood. However, it has been proven that seeing certain colours can affect the brain in many different ways. Scientists believe that if we are subjected to bright and intense colours, similar to what we see underwater, it can promote feelings of happiness. In addition, the colour blue has been known to induce a calming effect on the body.
7. Exposure To Sunlight
Being exposed to sunlight creates Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the rate of absorption of calcium which helps to keep bones healthy and strong. Exposure to sunlight also helps to increase endorphin production within our brains.
8. Socializing Benefits
Diving involves diving with a buddy – it’s a social activity and among divers, we find like-minded people with a common interest. There is a sense of community and of being part of a ‘tribe’ when spending time with other divers – all of which are positive feelings and good for mental wellbeing (lowering stress, building confidence and a sense of security and belonging)
9. A Great Stress Reliever
We mentioned already that the breathing pattern for diving is similar to a meditative breathing pattern. Meditating is a great remedy for stress too as slower breathing promotes calmness. Not only that, but when we are diving we are focused on the environment around us, which enables us to completely forget work, family, relationship or financial issues.
Having this mental ‘time out’ gives the body a chance to rest and bring the nervous system back to a natural balance. Studies have shown that having a relaxed and calm mind has been known to promote a positive mental attitude, helping you deal with your issues in a calm and rational way without feelings of depression.
Corona Virus and Fitness
In the current global pandemic, there are many uncertainties and unknowns surrounding Corona Virus. One thing is widely believed to be true though – that the effects of COVID-19 are generally less severe in a person who is physically healthy and fit than in someone who is otherwise. So, while you might not cherish the thought of going to the gym to work on your fitness, now you can go diving instead!
Corona Virus and Scuba Diving Nusa Lembongan
At World Diving Lembongan we are following all recommendations regarding health and hygiene standards when diving and we have new procedures in place to ensure that gear is disinfected and all recommendations are being met. Our priority is always your comfort and safety.
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We look forward to diving Nusa Lembongan with you soon!