Scuba diving may be an unlikely bedfellow for those looking to add a little subsea
spice to a yoga and meditation practiceDive into wellness
om beginnings
I
f you’re looking for a new challenge in 2020 why not try
diving? You may be underwater, but there are some great
similarities with yoga, notably the attention to the breath and
the cultivation of calm. Plus you get to switch off your phone
for a bit!
Similar to yoga and meditation, scuba diving focuses on breathing,
which is calming for the mind and body. It requires controlled,
rhythmic breathing which can significantly increase our ability to
cope with emotional feelings, improve sleep and boost general
wellbeing and happiness.
“There are so many aspects of scuba diving that may be beneficial
in directing our minds away from worries, stresses and daily
demands,” says clinical psychologist Dr Laura Walton.
According to PADI (padi.com), the world’s largest recreational diver
training organisation, scuba diving has myriad benefits with many
divers testifying to its healing power, while benefiting from exploring
the ocean and interacting with marine life, experiencing new cultures
and meeting like-minded people.
No longer the domain of those interested in extreme sport, it says
more and more people are taking to the underwater world simply
to relax and experience tranquillity while keeping physically fit and
mentally healthy.
“In modern life, we are constantly pulled into the past and present,
through our ability to think, but when we dive beneath the water
our attention is captivated by absorbing experiences of entering
another world,” says Dr Walton. “To an extent, we leave our ordinary
selves on the surface and wholly fill our mind with focusing on a newenvironment, leaving no room to think about unnecessary concerns,
so we connect with ourselves in a different way and become present
in the moment.”
There are other good reasons for diving too. Flexibility and
strength are increased as muscles tend to work harder due to the
resistance of the water and swimming against the current. Cortisol
levels also decrease in the water, reducing blood pressure and heart
rate and aiding relaxation.
And, of course, no two dives are ever the same once you’ve taken
the plunge. From stunning coral reefs, brightly-coloured fish and
wrecks to swimming with dolphins, manta rays and sea turtles, each
dive is an experience you’ll never forget.