In this age of synthetic dopamine hits that come from “likes” and “views” on social media and the ever-constant rat race we’re in from the second we wake up until we lay down at night, it’s no wonder people report higher levels of stress and anxiety than ever before. Add to that the increased pressure to always go bigger, harder, and farther than your last accomplishment, and it can feel impossible to ever just be satisfied.
To combat the constant push to out-perform, it’s important to remember one of the best stress relievers lies right outside your front door. Getting out into nature not only helps you reconnect with yourself, but it also grounds you and helps calm the mental noise. It is our free, first line of defense against common stresses. And this is science-backed!
The blue-space effect has been studied and found to have a positive impact on both mental and physical health. So, if you’ve ever wondered why you feel better when you’re near a body of water or why listening to a babbling brook calms you, we’re here to explain. Let’s dive into how swimming in the ocean reduces stress and anxiety.
Healing Power of Swimming in the Ocean
Swimming in the ocean, or any body of water, has a slew of healing and health benefits, starting with the overall lowering of our stress hormone, cortisol. The repetition of swim strokes focuses the mind. Controlled breathing techniques force our brains to calm down. Even just floating benefits us by allowing our muscles to relax.
Beyond cortisol levels, the sounds of the waves and the gentle rocking you feel can trigger a meditative response that lowers anxiety and puts you in an almost trance-like state that promotes mental clarity.
An excellent way to experience these effects is with Island Water Sports Hawaii’s Submarine Scooter and Snorkel tour. The quiet, eco-friendly sub-scooters allow you to gently move through the water, and the diving bell technology lets you breathe freely even when fully submerged. After your sub-scooter turn, spend the rest of your outing snorkeling in calm, clear blue water or relaxing on the boat as the waves rock you in the warm Hawaiian sunshine.
Ocean Activities that Promote Mental Clarity
You can’t stress about due dates and overcrowded schedules when you’re swimming in the ocean. The setting and circumstance demand you focus on your immediate surroundings. In this way, it grounds you and forces you into your body, creating space to really feel what’s happening internally and around you.
One of the best ways to experience this heightened sense of focus is with our Seabob excursion! Slice through the water like a super-dolphin at speeds of up to 12 miles per hour and enjoy the exhilaration that comes from making hairpin turns and daring jumps above the surface. Successfully maneuvering a seabob requires you to pay attention to your environment and puts you squarely in the present moment so you can fully enjoy what’s happening in the world around you.
Connecting with Nature to Relieve Anxiety
Have you ever wondered why you see fish tanks in so many dentist’s and doctor’s offices? Studies show that watching fish can improve your mood, increase happiness, and promote relaxation! Observing an aquarium can reduce stress and anxiety and even lower blood pressure. But what’s better than watching fish in a tank? Swimming next to them in the wild!
On our sub-scooter and seabob tours, you’ll see tons of tropical fish. Whether you’re zooming past or gently bobbing along beside them, the calming feelings that come from existing in the marine world are felt immediately and last long after you return to the surface.
Benefits of Family Exploration
Many of the stresses and anxieties we face are felt across our entire family. Whether parents are bringing work stress home with them, or kids are feeling the weight of test anxiety, our individual worries seep across personal lines until everyone is affected. That’s why it’s so important to look for ways to de-stress as a family.
Booking a vacation and enjoying group activities is a great way to share in an experience, and our sub-scooter tour is the perfect option. Not only can non-swimmers participate, but it’s also great for kids as young as 10 years old. By enjoying this popular tour, you’re exposing your kids to the water at an early age and teaching them that nature can be a powerful coping mechanism for dealing with stress and anxiety. Something that will benefit them throughout the rest of their lives.
Physical Benefits of Swimming in the Ocean
We all know exercise releases endorphins and can boost our mood by triggering natural stress relievers. However, things like joint pain, injury, or age can make physical activity difficult or even dangerous at times. When faced with these or other limitations, people often turn to swimming as a preferred means of physical activity. Not only does it work every muscle group, but it does it with zero impact.
When you need to foster mental clarity, practice mindfulness, and enjoy the benefits of a good workout, swimming in the ocean is just the ticket. With our seabob tour, you’ll get an excellent core workout as you maneuver through the water. Tours that include snorkeling like the sub-scooter tour let you incorporate more traditional swimming techniques.
Destress on Your Next Vacation
With a deep understanding of the benefits of swimming in the ocean, we at Island Water Sports Hawaii have crafted our tours around helping people experience the many healing aspects of our home. Whether you’re looking for a family bonding excursion or you just need a way to escape and reconnect with nature, we have the perfect activity. Check out all our offerings and let our team provide you with an incredible outing during your Oahu visit.
If you liked this article, you may be interested in these 7 Remarkable Health Benefits of Being in the Ocean or the Relaxation Benefits of the Ocean. Learn more about the ocean’s healing power with Island Water Sports Hawaii.
