If you’ve ever felt calmer and happier after a dive, you’re definitely not imagining it. Scuba diving can have amazing benefits for your mental health, and there’s even science to back it up.
Here’s everything you need to know about Blue Mind, Blue Health, and how diving can boost your mental health!
What is Blue Mind?
Blue Mind is a term created by the late marine biologist, Dr. Wallace J Nichols. It’s used to describe that calm, peaceful feeling you get when you’re near, in, or under water. Basically, it’s the relaxed, almost meditative state your body and mind naturally slips into when you’re diving that we all know and love.
When you dive, you slow your breathing, disconnect from distractions, and focus completely on what’s happening right in front of you. You’re weightless, calm, and fully present. It’s no surprise your stress levels drop and you feel refreshed after some time beneath the surface!
This isn’t just a random feeling, it’s your nervous system switching to ‘rest and digest’ mode, helping you feel calmer and more relaxed.
What is Blue Health?
Blue Health is a growing area of research that looks at how being in blue spaces can benefit your physical and mental wellbeing. A major study called the BlueHealth Project found that people who spend time by oceans, lakes, or rivers tend to feel less stressed, more active, and more socially connected.
As a diver, you’re literally immersed in blue spaces, meaning you’re likely getting even more of these benefits every time you dive.
How can Blue Mind, Blue Health and scuba diving support your mental wellbeing?
Diving is more than just travel and underwater adventure, it’s an amazing tool for your mind and body. Here are just some of the ways it helps and supports your mental health:
- It reduces stress. Slow, steady breathing underwater helps calm your nervous system.
- It encourages mindfulness. You have no choice but to be fully present and aware of your breath and surroundings when you dive.
- It boosts your mood. Studies show that being in blue spaces like the ocean can lower anxiety and boost how you feel.
- It creates awe and connection. Seeing marine life up close can leave you with lasting feelings of awe, which are linked to greater happiness.
- It builds social connections. Diving often creates strong friendships and a sense of community, which is great for your mental health. If you want to experience this in action, there’s no better way than joining one of our Girls that Scuba Trips!
What other ways can we connect to Blue Mind?
We’d all love to be diving all the time, but that’s not always realistic. Luckily, you don’t just have to be underwater to enjoy the benefits of Blue Mind and Blue Health. Simply being near, seeing, hearing, or even just feeling water can help you tap into its calming effects – sometimes a splash of cold tap water on your face is all it takes!
Here are some easy ways you can bring Blue Mind into your daily life:
- Wild swimming or cold-water dips
- Freediving or snorkelling
- Paddleboarding or kayaking
- Relaxing by the sea, lakes or rivers
- Beach walks or coastal hikes
- Floating in a pool or taking a mindful bath or shower
- Listening to ocean wave soundtracks or water themed meditations
- Walking in the rain and tuning into the sounds and sensations
Even small moments of connecting with water, whether it’s hearing it, seeing it, or feeling it, can help soothe your nervous system and boost your mood. Blue Mind magic is all around you!
Celebrate World Blue Mind Day
23rd July is World Blue Mind Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the healing power of water. It’s a great reminder of how important water can be for your mental wellbeing, and it’s the perfect excuse to go diving!
You can celebrate by planning a dive, sharing your underwater moments, or just spending mindful time in or by the water. You could even support an ocean conservation cause to help protect the blue spaces we all love.
Let’s go diving – it’s good for you!
So every time you go diving, you’re giving your body and mind a chance to relax and reset. It’s like meditation and therapy – but better! As well as those benefits, you also get to explore amazing marine life and connect with fellow divers while you’re at it.
Next time you feel overwhelmed or stressed, remember how powerful diving can be for your mind. All it takes is your dive gear and some time in the water to feel those calming, healing effects again.
Helpful Links to Learn More
About the Author
Amy Clark is a passionate scuba diver and Blue Health Coach who loves exploring how the ocean can support your mental health and wellbeing. She is also our Girls that Scuba Trips Manager and Host.
You can follow her on Instagram at @breakthesurfaceco, or connect with her on a future Girls that Scuba trip!
