Can Learning to Scuba Dive be Good for your Brain
In a 2016 New York Times blog (Learning a New Sport May Be Good For The Brain), author Gretchen Reynolds talks of the benefits of learning a new activity during mid-life.
Embracing a new activity during mid-life can be a transformative experience, offering a fresh perspective and an invigorating sense of adventure. Scuba diving, in particular, provides a unique opportunity to explore the captivating underwater world while fostering personal growth and well-being. For those in their mid-life, diving can enhance mental clarity, improve physical fitness, and offer a sense of achievement and discovery. By stepping out of their comfort zones and diving into the depths, individuals can find renewed purpose and joy, creating unforgettable memories and connections with nature that transcend the ordinary routines of daily life.
Could learning to scuba dive, with the PADI Open Water Course be good for your brain?
In the Times article, the author states that learning a new sporting activity could change and strengthen the brain. Learning a new activity like scuba diving would be more beneficial than say crosswords or marathon training.
In Krista Stryker’s book, The 12 Minute Athlete, she states that exercise can even help ward off some types of age-related cognitive decline. Such as reduced hand-eye coordination and memory loss.
The uniqueness of scuba diving means that the PADI Open Water Course would have a variety of skills that would never have been attempted by the student previously. These new and unique skills, start simplistically and move to more complex skills. Although complex, they are not physically demanding.
Reynolds states that complex thinking is generally classified as “higher order” cognition and results in activity within portions of the brain and promotes plasticity, or physical changes in those areas.
Past neurological studies have shown that learning a new physical skill in adulthood leads to an increase in the volume of grey matter. This improves parts of the brain related to movement control. A new activity could include scuba diving.
Other Benefits
Scuba diving offers numerous physical and mental health benefits, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking a new and rewarding activity in mid-life. One of the key physical benefits is improved blood circulation. As divers immerse themselves in water, the pressure helps enhance blood flow throughout the body, ensuring that vital organs receive the oxygen and nutrients they need. This process also aids in reducing blood pressure, contributing to cardiovascular health.
Additionally, scuba diving is a full-body workout that can significantly increase muscle strength and flexibility. The resistance of moving through water engages various muscle groups, promoting better balance, coordination, and endurance. This activity not only strengthens core muscles but also helps maintain joint flexibility, which is essential for overall physical fitness as we age.
On a mental level, scuba diving has profound effects on the brain. The immersive nature of diving requires focus and concentration, as divers must be mindful of their surroundings, equipment, and breathing techniques. This heightened level of concentration can translate into improved cognitive function in everyday life, sharpening memory and mental clarity.
Furthermore, diving is an excellent stress reliever. The tranquil underwater environment, combined with rhythmic breathing, induces a state of relaxation that reduces stress and anxiety. This calming effect can lead to an overall improvement in emotional well-being, fostering a sense of peace and contentment. By exploring the wonders of the ocean, divers often experience a renewed sense of wonder and joy, which can positively impact their outlook on life.
If you have never scuba-dived before I urge you to give it a try, you can even do a 1-day introduction experience with the PADI Discover Scuba Diving program. It cannot be compared to any other activity in the world and trying scuba diving out will open a whole new world to you.
Give scuba diving a try and you may just be healthier for the effort.
