How Surfing Improves Mental Health
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- Опубликовано: 20 авг 2024
- Anyone who surfs will tell you that surfing makes you happy.
You feel bad you go surf, and then you feel better.
But in recent years, scientists have begun to look more seriously at surfing's potential for treating mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and even PTSD.
In 2010, Britain's National Health Service (NHS) conducted a study on the effects of surfing as a therapy for mental health conditions, and the results were pretty conclusive.
Twenty-two participants between the ages of 12 and 23 suffering from mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and even schizophrenia, learned to surf for six weeks in Cornwall, England.
Participants rated their feelings before the lessons began and then again after the program had finished.
Joe Taylor, who was in charge of the program, noted that the improvement was significant in terms of self-esteem and just having fun.
Another study in California suggested similar findings.
Participants were asked to rank on a scale of one to five how strongly they were feeling certain emotions.
The questionnaire included words such as angry, miserable, upbeat, and enthusiastic.
After surfing for half an hour, the participants were asked to complete the same questionnaire again.
Surfing put the participants in a better mood, specifically increasing their feelings of calmness and tranquility.
It's long been known that exercise of any kind releases endorphins and increases your overall mood.
But further studies have specifically linked surfing with other aspects of mental health.
One study in the journal of clinical sports psychology suggested that surfing is a hybrid of a meditative experience and rigorous exercise, both of which have been proven to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
As a result, surfers reported significantly fewer incidences of these conditions compared to the general population.
Surfing and the ocean have also been used to treat PTSD in soldiers returning home from war.
Netflix even made a documentary about the subject called "Resurface."
The director of the movie, Josh Eisenberg, has a few reasons why he thinks ocean therapy has been so effective.
He suggests that surfing in the ocean helps ease negative emotions by putting them in the context of something much larger and more powerful than a person's own existence.
Josh also cites that when surfing, thinking about the stresses of life just isn't an option.
In order to simply stay up on a wave, you're forced to focus on the present moment, which in itself provides some relief, even if temporary, from any debilitating mental conditions.
What do you think?
Has surfing or the ocean helped you through any difficult times, or is it all just a bunch of baloney?
Video by Michael Claisse | @michael.claisse
Illustrations by Anna Messechkova | @annnamess
I have never surfed in the ocean. I am what is called an “inland surfer” and we ride river waves. Surfing has changed my life. Our surf community is one of the most supportive amazing groups of people I have ever had the pleasure to be a part of! The feelings of positivity or “stoke” on the wave is contagious and is one the best “vibes” you can experience. I good session on the wave is magical, once you have developed the basic skills you merely need to “step in” to enter the flow state that surfing gives.
You've said it all, Adam. Keep that spirit alive. 🙏🏻
As a surfer i can agree with this. When i got the news that my grandmother had passed away i was in pieces. The only thing i could think of was to call my best friend and we went surfing at our local break. I worked through the pain and hurt of the loss and grieved. After the 3h session i felt a lot stronger and i felt a lot better. I could then be there for my mother a strong shoulder to cry on.
It doesnt eliminate the pain but it did help me work through it
However it was not just the surfing that helped me work through it. It was also the support from my friends.
Before I watched this video, I've always had the same opinions on the meditative and positive euphoria attributes of surfing. The transcript totally translates my feelings about it. Although the time I've spent surfing is very limited and my level is not that high, it is a unique experience everybody, one way or another, should have in their lives. It transforms you at that very moment and in the long run, leaving all negative emotions (that are always natural to human nature and sometimes inevitable) behind and you are filled with elation.
That is very accurate. I suffer from depression and surfing has been the cure.
I do also and I don't surf anymore. Live 2 hours from the nearest beach and the waves are always shit or crowded
i have ptsd from iraq and i surf, it helps me but its a challenge to get out, especially if there is a crowd
I agree but I come to find the best and friendliest spots are by surf schools they go out at chill spots and you can usually find a place by yourself. Also the crowds dont try to act like tough locals I feel sorry for the fool that does that to me since I have violent reactions I need to keep in check and surfing always helps.
Thanks guys for such diverse, quality surf content🤙
Yes brother your right on. Unfortunately, it's also the reason why oceanfront property is so mind blowing expensive. Lord bless you.
Glad you liked the video! Come on over to the channel for more ocean stuff, Steve! 🤙🏼
I bought a OneWheel yesterday. Using it on grass feels like surfing on the Earth.
Thank you!
Vamos a curarnos 🏄🏽♀️🌊
It’s saved my life.
True
😊
Thanks for featuring our video here! Much appreciated 🤙🏼 If anyone is looking for more animated surf/ocean action, check our channel out!
Awesome facts first comment by the way
Surfing in Jesus helps
It doesnt! I like a 3 hour round trip from.the beach. Barely surf. Addicted to surf. Depressed af.
This is why surfing was allowed in France.. to be sick its good for big pharma