More Than A Feeling – The Mental Benefits of Surfing
You probably already know that by reading our posts so far, we also say that surfing isn’t just a hobby;
Not only does the act of riding a wave give you unbeatable thrills, but it can also have lasting mental health benefits, from reducing stress and improving sleep to increasing self-esteem and boosting your mood.
Surfing offers more than just a good time – it can be a powerful tool for self-care.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the mental benefits of surfing, and how it can help you to find more balance in your life.
But first…
What Is Mental Health?
Mental health is the overall well-being of our minds and emotions, including our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
It’s how we think, feel and behave in different situations, while it also affects how we handle stress, relate to others, make decisions and cope with changes.
Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. It is a state of well-being in which an individual is able to live a fulfilling life and participate in meaningful activities.
There are many things that can affect our mental health, including our life experiences, relationships, and our physical health.
Stress, anxiety, and depression are some of the most common mental health conditions, especially in the recent era.
Everyone experiences stress, anxiety, and depression differently, and good mental health doesn’t mean you won’t experience difficulties or hardship – it means you have the strength, resilience, and coping skills to get through difficult times.
Maintaining good mental health is important for everyone. It allows us to feel happy and satisfied with our lives, to be resilient in the face of stress and adversity, and to have healthy relationships.
So…
Why Surfing Is Good For Your Mental Health
Surfing is a physical activity that is widely known as a stress levels reducer and mood improver.
The rhythmic motion of paddling out and riding waves has been found to be calming for the mind, which can lead to lower levels of stress and anxiety.
Imagine your mind is sort of a bucket, that has been filled with stress, worries, and anxieties. You have to let it go somehow in order to clear out the bucket and make room for positive thoughts.
When you surf, your bad thoughts slowly switch off as you paddle out with your board, the sun shining on your back and the sound of the waves washing away all of your worries.
Here’s how…
Surfing Improves Your Self-Esteem
Ever wanted to have a better feeling about yourself? Surfing can help boost your self-esteem thanks to the sense of the accomplishments you make.
When you ride a wave in, you feel a sense of achievement and pride that you were able to do something challenging.
And let me tell you – when you ride that gnarly set you feel so good all of the sudden, you can’t escape this good feeling.
As you progress in your skills, the feeling of pride that comes with achievement will only increase.
The challenge of mastering each wave is a great way to boost self-esteem and confidence, as well as develop skills like patience, persistence, and resilience.
Plus, the endorphins released during exercises (and sessions) are known to leave people feeling happier and more energized – perfect for those days when your motivation is low.
It’s like gaining points in a game toward your mind as you give it just a little boost each time.
When you’re able to do something that makes you feel good about yourself, it can have a profound impact on your mental health.
Surfing Makes You Focused
The focus required for surfing also helps with mental clarity and concentration, which can be beneficial in problem-solving and decision-making.
Surfing helps you to be more present in the moment, which can help with mental clarity and reduce stress.
The physical activity and energy required for surfing can also help to clear your mind, allowing you to focus on the present and improve concentration.
Being out on the waves can also help take your mind off worries or anxieties – allowing you to focus on the present and disconnect from your thoughts.
It’s just you, your board, and nature.
Nature Is Your Natural Medicine
Being out in nature is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. Getting outdoors can help improve your mood and reduce stress.
Nature provides a sense of calm and peace that can be therapeutic for the mind. The fresh air, natural scenery, and sounds of the ocean can help clear away distractions and provide a sense of tranquility.
Spending time outdoors surrounded by nature has been linked to improved mental health. The ocean is known for its calming and restorative effects, which can help reduce stress levels and bring a sense of peace and balance.
The Natural Medicine – How Does Surfing Impact Mental Health?
Surfing is the perfect way to start your day. It wakes you up and helps you cope with the difficulties of life.
If you’re lacking self-confidence, the most natural medicine would be going to the beach. Being in this kind of environment and waiting for waves from Mother Nature will help to slow you down and give you a sense of peace and tranquility.
Surfing is also used as a way of therapy. Many non-governmental organizations today act as a bridge between people with mental health issues and surfing.
Just a couple of them are The Wave Project, Surfers Healing, Waves For Change, Waves of Wellness Foundation, and One Wave.
Dropping our frustrations and sadness into the sea may not solve all of our problems, but its part of the goodness surfing does for us.
This amazing activity also helps cognitive decline and increases self-perception of attractiveness – both increasing your self-esteem.
Surfing is an activity that brings the balance and peace we need to face life’s struggles, as it tackles mental health problems in a way that not too many other activities do.
Conclusion
Surfing is a great way to stay physically active, while also providing mental health benefits.
The physical activity of surfing helps with stress relief, boosts self-esteem and confidence, and improves focus and concentration.
Combine that with the positive effects of being in nature, like increased relaxation and decreased stress levels, and you have a nearly perfect remedy for your mental health.
If you’re not a surfer yet, the ocean is calling you, waiting to rediscover yourself. And if you already are a surfer, try to do it more often because it will support you throughout life.