Anyone who’s ever tried surfing knows something special about it. Surfing is more than just a sport – it’s a way of life. And there’s a reason why so many people like the waves. From the moment you catch your first wave, you’ll feel a rush of adrenaline that is unlike anything else.
Feeling good while you’re surfing isn’t just a result of being in the water. In fact, surfing requires your full attention so there’s no room for wandering thoughts. It physical exertion also generates endorphins and serotonin which make you feel great about what you’re doing. Some people describe surfing as a type of meditation that relaxes the body and relieves stress and anxiety. Surfers report that the activity is great for improving sleep as well.
The feeling of conquering waves, the exhilaration of riding a board, and simply being in the water – surfing just makes you feel good. But what is it about surfing that makes us feel this way? Below, we explore 10 science-based reasons why surfing makes surfers feel so good.
A Deeper Connection with Ocean
Numerous research has come to the conclusion that being near the water, particularly the ocean, has a beneficial effect on our physical, emotional, and mental health. Spending time by the water has improved mood and given people a more authentic sense of being alive. The nearly universal appeal of the color blue is evidence of our deep-seated connection to the watery element. According to marketing studies, people tend to identify the color blue with characteristics such as serenity, openness, depth, and wisdom.
Surfing Will Free Your Thoughts
When surfing, maintaining a high level of attention is essential. You absolutely must pay close attention to the water and its waves. This leaves no room for contemplation of the office, the university, or any other issue. Your focus will be on one thing in particular: the waves. This is a really helpful practice for letting go of all of your concerns so that you can experience happiness and freedom.
Surfing Boosts Happy Chemicals in Your Brain
Feel-good hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins are released when we engage in enjoyable activities. When we surf, our brains release dopamine in response to the pleasure and excitement of riding a wave. Serotonin is released when we experience novelty and challenge, both present when learning to surf. Endorphins, meanwhile, work to reduce pain perception and are released when we exercise – something that’s definitely a part of surfing!
Surfing Can Be a Form of Meditation
For many, surfing is a form of meditation, a way to connect with nature and find inner peace. When you are riding on a wave, you are completely focused on the present moment, and all your worries and concerns fade away. This state of mindfulness can be extremely beneficial for your mental health, helping you to reduce stress and anxiety. Surfing can also be a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. In fact, many surfers report feeling more relaxed and focused after a session in the water. So if you are looking for a new hobby that can help you relax and improve your well-being, why not give surfing a try?
Surfing Improves Heart Health
Regularly participating in cardiovascular exercise like surfing can help to improve heart health in several ways. For one, it helps to lower blood pressure by increasing the amount of oxygen that reaches your cells. It also helps reduce bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol levels, which work to keep your heart healthy. Additionally, surfing can help to strengthen the muscles around your heart, making it more efficient at pumping blood around your body.
Surfing Can Help You to Sleep Better at Night
It’s well-known that exercise can help you to sleep better at night. But did you know that surfing can also have a positive impact on your sleep patterns? Surfing requires both mental and physical stamina, and the act of riding waves can help to tire out both your body and your mind. As a result, surfers often find that they sleep more deeply and for longer periods of time than non-surfers.
In addition, the exposure to sunlight and fresh air that comes with spending time in the ocean can help to regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Also, spending time in cold water can also help improve sleep quality by reducing body temperature (which promotes drowsiness) and clearing your mind before bedtime.
So if you’re looking for a way to get a good night’s rest, consider heading out for a surf session before bedtime.
Surfing Reduces Stress Levels
It’s no secret that spending time in nature can help reduce stress levels, but did you know that cold water exposure specifically has stress-reducing benefits? When you spend time in cold water (like you would when surfing), your body responds by releasing adrenaline and noradrenaline – hormones that help us deal with stressful situations. Regular exposure to cold water (and subsequently higher stress hormone levels) makes our bodies better at handling stress overall.
Surfing Helps to Relieve Anxiety
Like stress, anxiety is characterized by high levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. And while some people find relief from anxiety through outdoor activities like hiking or running, others find that being in the water helps them to calm their nerves better than being on land does. If you suffer from anxiety and feel calmer after spending time near or in bodies of water, give surfing a try – it may just be the anxiety reliever you’ve been looking for!
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Surfing Can Increase Your Balance and Coordination
In addition to improving your cardiorespiratory fitness, surfing can help increase your balance and coordination. This is because surfing requires you to constantly adjust your body position in order to stay upright on your board. As a result, regular surfing can help improve your overall balance and coordination. So if you’re looking for a way to stay fit and coordinated, look no further than surfing.
Surfing Connects You to New People
Surfing is one of those activities that tend to attract like-minded people. There’s a real sense of community among surfers, and it’s easy to start a conversation with someone when you’re both waiting for a wave. You’ll never know who you might meet when you’re out surfing!
So there you have it – 10 science-based reasons why surfing makes surfers feel so good! Whether it’s because of the boost in happy chemicals or the opportunity to meditate on waves, there’s no doubt that surfing is an activity that benefits both our bodies and our minds. So what are you waiting for? Grab a board and hit the waves!
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