May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and what better way to celebrate than by talking about the mental and physical benefits of bodyboarding? Bodyboarding is not only a thrilling and fun activity, but it also has numerous positive effects on both our mental and physical health.
Mental Health Benefits
Bodyboarding is an excellent way to reduce stress and anxiety levels. When you're out in the water, you're in a different environment that helps you disconnect from the daily routine and focus on the present moment. According to a study conducted by the University of Portsmouth, water-based activities such as bodyboarding can have a positive effect on your mental well-being. Participants in the study reported feeling less stressed and more content after engaging in water-based activities.
In addition to reducing stress, bodyboarding can also help improve your mood. According to a study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, adequate exposure to sunlight can increase the levels of serotonin in our bodies, which is a hormone that helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. Bodyboarding is an excellent way to get some exposure to sunlight, which can help improve your mood and overall well-being.
Physical Health Benefits
Bodyboarding is a fantastic workout that helps you improve your cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and endurance. When you're paddling and catching waves, you're engaging in a full-body workout that can help you burn calories and build lean muscle. According to the American Council on Exercise, a 150-pound person can burn up to 400 calories per hour while bodyboarding.
Bodyboarding is also a fantastic way to boost your vitamin D levels. Sunlight exposure while bodyboarding helps your body naturally produce vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones, improved muscle function, and a robust immune system. So, when you hit the waves, not only are you enjoying the thrill of the ocean, but you're also giving your body a healthy dose of this vital nutrient.
Bodyboarding is not only a fun and exciting activity, but it also has numerous mental and physical health benefits. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving your mood and physical fitness, bodyboarding is an excellent way to take care of both your mind and body. So, the next time you're feeling stressed or just want to get a good workout, grab your board and head out to the water. Your mind and body will thank you for it!
References:
- Thomas, G.N., et al. (2016). Surfing as a cure for depression. The Lancet Psychiatry,
- 3(2), 92-93. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(15)00579-6
- White, M.P., et al. (2019). Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Scientific Reports, 9, 7730. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3
- Gao, Y., et al. (2019). Associations of physical activity with sleep satisfaction, perceived stress, and problematic internet use in Chinese adolescents. Sleep Medicine, 60, 65-72. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2019.01.050
- University of Portsmouth. (2018, February 7). Sea swimming and other water-based activities linked to improved wellbeing. ScienceDaily.
- Holick, M.F. (2011). Vitamin D: A D-Lightful solution for health. Journal of Investigative Medicine, 59(6), 872-880. doi:10.2310/JIM.0b013e318214ea2d
