The Mental Health Benefits of Surfing for Students

Photo: Sligo Surf Experience

When we talk about places like Bali in Indonesia, Portugal, Costa Rica, Jeffreys Bay in South Africa, and Oahu in Hawaii, a thing that connects all of these comes to mind. That’s surfing. These places and some other equally popular ones are paradise for surfers and their eyes lit up at the very mention of it. Surfing is much more than something that excites people from the inside and gets adrenaline rushing. Its ability to boost the mind means it’s a good way for students to ease their stress. Academic pressure takes a toll even on the best so knowing how this fun activity can reduce stress and make you happy and energetic.

1. Great body strength equals great mental health

Surfing means you have to balance on a surfboard. For this, you use your core muscles, including the abdominals, diaphragm, obliques, and lower back. The paddling works wonders on upper body and leg strength. When you are physically fit to this extent, it automatically keeps you mentally fit. A healthy body translates to a healthy mind. Surfing can take up a considerable time when you start learning the sport. And once you are good at it, you won’t feel like coming back to your study desk that easily. In these times, you need to balance sport and academics in the best way. You don’t need to be intimidated by this information because every student around the world is balancing study and sports well. When burdened with too much work, hire a research paper writer from EduBirdie. When you seek assistance from a college writer during sports, online classes, or exams, you offload yourself from undue pressure. Help for students is available in every way ranking from homework to essays. Simply ask for it when you need it.

2. Releases endorphins

When you are out in the ocean, you experience a natural calming effect. This means your stress and anxiety is reduced. The activity releases endorphins. It is the feel-good hormone known for boosting your mood and helping bring much-needed calm to your life. When there's too much academic pressure, simply escape to the beach with your surfboard and feel the difference.

3. Sharpens your sense of balance

In surfing, you are continuously twisting, turning, and bending. This is good for your flexibility level. This effort to balance on the board enhances proprioception which is the body’s ability to sense its position in space. This improves overall physical coordination which helps you deliver better performance in studies - in writing, typing, extracurriculars, etc. This will bring happiness for you and you will want to do more and more. This new-found positivity drives you to achieve more in everything you do in your school or college.

4. Saltwater's unimaginable benefits

The feeling in the ocean makes you feel everything around it more deeply. The sensation of salt water on the skin is refreshing and cleansing. It makes you feel a new energy. Similarly, the smell of salty air has a unique aroma that works wonderfully on your emotions and memories. This is pure relaxation and something which will make you come back to surfing again and again.

Photo: Surfer at Salt Creek

5. Stronger immune system

Surfing means you have to spend time in and on water. Cold water exposure increases blood circulation which is good for your brain. It also acts as a very mild stressor when you step into cold water. So with continuous exposure to this controlled stressor, you learn to be resilient to daily stressors. Cold water dips also improve the immune system. The less you fall sick the more mentally healthy you become.

6. Better sleep quality

Sleep is one of the great health benefits of surfing. Surfing is an outstanding physical activity that really tests you to the core. After your surfing session, your body demands fuel and also relaxation. This means you eat well and sleep well. Proper sleep keeps you mentally active which leads to better performance in everything from writing assignments to taking exams.

Conclusion

These points make it clear that surfing is highly beneficial to mental health. Not only does surfing burn calories, but it also enhances the overall mood to keep you mentally and physically upbeat. The best thing about it is that you don’t need to make much effort to begin with it. Head to any popular beach known for great waves for surfing, and you’ll find a good coach. Carry your surfboard or rent one and start learning the tricks of moving the way waves do. This will put you in a mood like never before, helping you perform amazingly well in academics.

Article by Mary Cardoza writes beautifully and deeply which woos her audiences and makes them want more. Her attractive writing is a result of years of practice, training, and a zeal to support students in their academic writing. To unwind and return to writing with a fresh mind, she goes fishing and spends time with her family and pets.

• Be First To Add a Comment