Why Scuba Diving Should Be Considered a Wellness Activity

Scuba diving can be tailored to meet many needs, including overall wellness. The first inhale from a regulator underwater, that overwhelming feeling of calm when surrounded by water on all sides, at peace as you watch the seagrass ebb and flow with the current. To some, scuba diving is a hobby of thrill-seekers; to others, a mental escape and for even more, it is both.

As divers, we know scuba diving can be good for our health. There are mental health benefits as well as physiological benefits thanks to the practice of deep breathing. Because of this, there are countless, wonderful organizations providing diving opportunities to disabled persons or war veterans suffering from PTSD or physical ailments.

Wellness (n): The quality or state of being in good health, especially as an actively sought goal.

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary

Why can’t we all bask in the wellness benefit of this sport? It’s time to change the conversation on why scuba diving should be considered a wellness activity. Here are some reasons why both divers and non-divers might want to add scuba diving to their wellness routine. This may even be convincing enough to make your non-diving friend finally take the plunge!

The Ocean is a Mood Booster 

In the book, Blue Mind, marine scientist Wallace J. Nichols chronicles the idea that being in and around the ocean affects our mood. His extensive research shows that our brains are hardwired to react positively to water and that proximity to water can improve our overall health and well-being. 

Diving Increases Quality of Life

Around the world, divers and non-divers describe the positive effects of scuba diving. According to a study in Poland focused on people with physical disabilities, study participants reported an increase in their quality of life after trying scuba diving as opposed to other physical activities. 

Breathing Underwater is Meditative

The sense of calm that overtakes you on a dive is not just normal, it’s scientific. Scuba diving provides many things for different people, but has long been a tool to heal thanks to the type of breathing practiced by most divers. Deep and slow breathing promotes a sense of calm, often compared to meditation. 

Scuba Diving Relieves Stress

This study conducted in Spain details how participants showed reduced psychological distress after just one hour of scuba diving and further supports the idea that blue spaces contribute to improving human wellbeing.

Scuba Diving is Social

According to a Harvard study, close relationships top the list of what keeps people happy. Becoming a scuba diver provides many opportunities to socialize and meet dive buddies from around the world. It’s safe to say that more dive buddies are equivalent to more happiness!

Overall wellness is not only about physical strength but stress management and a feeling of being mentally fit.  

Wanting to feel the rush of a drift dive or big animal encounter doesn’t diminish the fact that scuba diving can be both a thrill-seeker’s outlet and a wellness activity. This only further suggests that diving is for anyone and can be tailored to your unique goals and hobbies.

Ready to explore how scuba diving can help your overall wellness? Get scuba certified and start to #LiveUnfiltered.