10 Benefits of Scuba Diving Adventures
When most people think about scuba diving, they picture crystal clear water, vibrant corals, sea turtles and a kaleidoscope of colorful reef fish. These are great reasons to go diving, however, they are not all that diving has to offer.
Did you know that scuba diving has a multitude of positive health effects? In fact, you might be surprised to learn just how far reaching the effects of scuba diving are on both your physical and mental well-being.
Read on for 10 key benefits that you can expect to enjoy when you go scuba diving:
1. Breathing and Respiratory Systems
The Benefits of Mindful Breathing
Scuba diving encourages divers to take long and slow deep breathes. A slow and calm breathing pattern reduces the risk of a lung-expansion injury as well as mucus build up. This breathing pattern has also been known to help with existing conditions such as asthma.
The breathing technique used for diving is similar to that used during some styles of meditation and it helps to slow the heart rate, promoting a state of peacefulness. One of the key benefits of scuba diving is that this slow rhythmic breathing can also have a grounding and calming effect on the psyche.
Dive Longer, Dive Better
By adopting mindful breathing habits, you can minimize exertion and optimize buoyancy control, both of which contribute to maximizing your dive times, as explored in our must-read guide, Improving your Air Consumption for Scuba Diving.
2. Lower Blood Pressure
Most divers will experience a spike in blood pressure when they first go underwater (due to excitement and adrenaline) but this is usually a temporary increase. Once we have recovered from the initial spike, our heart rate reduces as well as our blood pressure. The slow and deep breathing technique that we learn for diving helps to lower your blood pressure and keep you calm throughout the dive.
3. Resistance for Strength, Flexibility and Fitness
Have you heard of resistance training? When you go scuba diving you’ll be doing that too – this is just one of the many physical benefits of scuba diving! Whenever you are moving underwater, your muscles have to work harder than they would do on land due to the increased resistance caused by the water around you. The level of resistance increases significantly again when you are swimming into even just a mild current.
The more you dive and swim, the more your muscles begin to strengthen, and you’ll develop endurance as well as flexibility. Scuba diving and swimming doesn’t just give your legs a work out, it can also help to build up your core strength which is important for a good overall posture in your everyday life.
4. Travel and Adventure
Dive Anywhere, Dive Everywhere
Dive Anywhere, Dive EverywhereAlthough it’s possible to dive virtually anywhere on the planet that has a body of water, divers tend to travel, enjoy exploring and take time to go diving – all of which are excellent ways to destress and have fun. Positive experiences and time out are all proven to be good for your body, mind and soul – much better than being stressed, bored and stuck in a rut.
When you start scuba diving, you are not only taking on a new hobby – you get to experience an entirely different world!
Unlocking North Sulawesi’s Underwater Treasures
We also understand that when traveling you’ll want to do and see as much as you can. This is why we created our flagship program, Passport to Paradise!
Discover 3 distinct regions of North Sulawesi: Bunaken, Bangka and Lembeh in one incredible trip. All three resorts are connected by boat diving transfers so there is no wasted travel time, no traffic, just making 2 dives along the way!
5. Healing Effects of the Water
Being underwater has many healing effects. The likeness to being in the womb is believed to promote feelings of security, well-being and happiness. In addition, being in salt water for long periods of time can cause your body to dehydrate meaning that you tend to drink a lot more after the dive which means that you are replenishing your cells, receiving all of the benefits of the water both externally and internally.
6. A Great Stress Reliever
As well as adopting a meditative style of breathing, when we are diving we are completely focused on the environment around us. This focus on the underwater world enables us to completely forget work, family, relationships, financial issues, or any other negative thoughts that have been weighing on your mind. This ‘freeing up’ of the mind is definitely one of the biggest benefits of scuba diving.
Having this mental ‘time out’ gives the brain a chance to rest and brings the system back into a natural balance. Studies have shown that having a relaxed and calm mind promotes a positive mental attitude. A positive outlook will help you deal with any issues in a calm and rational way without feelings of depression.
7.Interaction with Marine Life
How Vibrant Underwater Life Sparks Joy
How Vibrant Underwater Life Sparks JoyWe are extremely fortunate that in North Sulawesi we have such an abundance of diverse marine life and incredible underwater scenery. Seeing stunning coral reefs and an array of fish and critters is enough to put anyone in a good mood.
However, it has been proven that seeing certain colours can affect the brain in many different ways. Scientists believe that if we are subjected to bright and intense colours, similar to what we see underwater, it can promote feelings of happiness. In addition, the colour blue has been known to induce a calming effect on the body.
Discovering Joy in Bunaken’s Vibrant Reefs
Immerse yourself in the dazzling underwater realm in one of the best diving spots, Bunaken, and discover how its sheer biodiversity can truly brighten your day – read more in our detailed guide, Bunaken Island: An Underwater Paradise with Diverse Marine Life.
8. Exposure To Sunlight
Being outdoors and being exposed to sunlight creates Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the rate of absorption of calcium which helps to keep bones healthy and strong. Exposure to sunlight also helps to increase endorphin production within our brains. Of course, whenever you are out in the sun (especially in North Sulawesi where we are so close to the Equator) it’s important to use UV protection or cover up to prevent sunburn.
Did you know that some sunscreens wash off while you are swimming in the ocean and as particles sink to the bottom they can begin to suffocate corals? That’s why at Murex Resorts we sell coral reef friendly sunscreen!
9. Socializing Benefits
Diving is a social activity and, among divers, we find like-minded people with a common interest. There is a sense of community and of being part of a ‘tribe’ when spending time with other divers – all of which are positive feelings and good for mental wellbeing (lowering stress, building confidence and a sense of security through belonging).
This supportive network is further amplified by the close bonds forged with your dive buddies. Our article, 5 Ways To Be A Better Buddy, explores how to cultivate positive and reliable buddy relationships, ensuring you always have a supportive partner by your side, both underwater and on land.
It’s great to be a diver with buddies!
10. Building Confidence and Self-Belief
It’s impossible to talk about the benefits of scuba diving without taking a look at confidence, empowerment and self-belief! Learning to dive does not just change the way you spend your time on holiday – it can be literally life changing!! When you push yourself to face your fears or to overcome a concern you’ll feel empowered and much more confident!
As you progress through your PADI Open Water Course, your confidence levels will go from strength to strength with every task that you successfully complete. Your Instructor will be by your side to offer guidance and encouragement every step of the way. PADI Instructors are professional and committed educators who, like you, share a passion for the underwater world.
Are You Ready to Dive or Freedive?
Join Us For a Passport To Paradise
Three distinct destinations brought together by Passport to Paradise
If you are trying to decide where to stay in North Sulawesi then why not join us for a Passport to Paradise? Instead of limiting yourself to one destination, you can explore all three of our distinct diving destinations in one easy trip: Bunaken, Bangka , and Lembeh.
Our resorts are connected by boat diving transfers which means no wasted travel time and even more time underwater as you simply dive your way from resort to resort!
Get in Touch!
Contact us at reservations@murexresorts.com. You may also want to check out Murex Resorts’ rates and reserve your spot now.
We look forward to welcoming you to North Sulawesi!
FURTHER READING
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