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THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE "FEEL GOOD"
As a surfer, you know how good it feels when you’ve been getting out in the water regularly - but let’s take a closer look at how the science supports this.
PHYSICAL EXERCISE -
Research suggests that exercise helps with depression and anxiety. When you exercise, your body produces a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which is lower in people with depression. Exercise also has anti-inflammatory effects and increases certain chemicals that help reduce inflammation.
Chronic inflammation can lead to mental health issues, and exercise helps control it. The physical activity during surfing can affect the levels of chemicals in the brain, similar to how antidepressants work. These chemicals are linked to sleep, mood, emotion, reward, motivation, memory, and attention.
EXPOSURE TO NATURAL LIGHT
Exposure to bright natural light impacts our body’s internal clock, helping regulate our sleep patterns. This exposure increases the night time melatonin secretion, crucial for quality sleep. Disruptions in our internal clock have been linked to various psychological disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and ADHD.
Beyond the eyes, surfing exposes the skin to sunlight, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sunlight on the skin triggers the release of beta-endorphins, contributing to short-term feelings of well-being. Sunlight exposure also influences serotonin levels by aiding in Vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to several health conditions, including depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, and autism.
Of course it is important to still be sun smart while surfing, you’ll still get the benefits of natural light while protecting yourself as much as possible.
TIME IN NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS -
REDUCED RUMINATION & OVERTHINKING -
When we overthink it may involve repetitive and passive dwelling on thoughts or emotions related to unresolved personal goals, hindering effective problem-solving.
Viewing overthinking as a habit is crucial for understanding how surfing’s therapeutic effects may occur. Traditional interventions often fall short in addressing habits. Surfing, occurring outdoors, disrupts the habitual cycle by encouraging external focus, conflicting with internal rumination. Research suggests that activities in natural settings divert attention away from excessive worries and negative thoughts, acting as positive distraction.
As with all habits, they are hard to break and practice makes perfect so the more time spent with the brain distracted and experiencing moments of flow state or nature inspired awe which distract from rumination the easier it gets to disrupt those negative habits.
COMPETENCE & RESILIENCE -
Competence, a fundamental psychological need according to self determination theory, involves the development of skills and the achievement of mastery over one’s environment. In the context of surfing, the unique setting of a beach with various waves of differing difficulty levels naturally allows individuals to make autonomous decisions about their abilities. This autonomy facilitates the matching of personal competence with wave difficulty, leading to a sense of mastery and the potential for the experience of flow.
Graded exposure to distress tolerance contributes to development of skills in distress management and uncertainty tolerance which aligns with psychotherapeutic approaches that involve reducing avoidance of anxiety-provoking stimuli and increasing engagement in adaptive and meaningful activities associated with accomplishment and mastery.
SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS-
The World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasises the crucial role of social connectedness in preventing mental illness. According to WHO, strong social connections and supportive relationships contribute significantly to mental well-being. Engaging in meaningful social interactions fosters a sense of belonging, emotional support, and resilience, thereby acting as protective factors against the development of mental health issues. Social connectedness not only enhances individual psychological health but also plays a pivotal role in building resilient communities.
AUTONOMY -
Surfing contributes to mental well-being by enhancing autonomy through various mechanisms. Firstly, it fosters independent decision-making as surfers navigate when and where to surf and which waves to take promoting self-efficacy and confidence. Secondly, surfing offers freedom for self-expression, allowing surfers to creatively express themselves and discover authenticity. Additionally, it facilitates a connection with nature, providing a sense of liberation from urban life. Surfing promotes mindfulness and presence, requiring surfers to be fully immersed in the moment, enhancing awareness and self-regulation. Lastly, it encourages personal growth and mastery, fostering resilience and a positive sense of identity through continuous learning and improvement. Overall, enhancing our autonomy is beneficial for psychological wellbeing.
FLOWSTATE-
Flow state, often referred to as being “in the zone,” is a mental state characterised by complete immersion in an activity, accompanied by a sense of energised focus, full involvement, and enjoyment. Surfing has been shown to facilitate the attainment of flow state due to its unique combination of physical activity, connection with nature, and challenging yet rewarding experience. Time in flow state support our mental wellbeing by reducing stress, improving mood, enhancing mental clarity and concentration and boosting self-confidence.
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READY TO GO SURFING?
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The information provided is general in nature and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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If you want to deep dive into the research from Australian researchers you can check it out here.
Moreton, S. G., Brennan, M. K., Nicholls, V. I., Wolf, I. D., & Muir, D. L. (2021). Exploring potential mechanisms underpinning the therapeutic effects of surfing. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 22(2), 117–134.