How SUP Can Help Fight Anxiety

It should come as no surprise that paddle boarding is extremely beneficial to one's physical and mental health. As a result, it is the perfect kind of exercise because it simultaneously develops your muscles and strengthens your core. It's also great for dealing with anxiety, sadness, and other mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other forms of trauma.

The majority of us could use some help managing our stress levels even in normal circumstances, but with the current state of affairs around the world, we may require some additional support in order to maintain our composure and optimism.

Life today appears to be a whirlwind of stress and anxiety. Getting away from the daily grind and experiencing some sense of liberation is something we're all searching for these days. SUP is one of the best ways to accomplish this. SUP is a terrific way to have fun, stay fit, and is known to serve as a powerful stress reliever. Below are numerous ways in which SUP helps fight stress and anxiety.

Being Surrounded By Water Is Soothing

Water, in all of its forms, is extremely therapeutic. As a matter of fact, there's a scientific name for it: "blue mind," which pertains to the somewhat tranquil state we enter when we're close to, within, on, or underwater. Even the sound and sight of water can trigger a surge of neurochemicals that improve health, boost blood flow to the brain and heart, and promote tranquility. Stand-Up Paddling is a great way to unwind, have fun, and stay fit.

Another advantage of working out on the water is that it pushes you to focus on the moment at hand. Focusing solely on your paddling techniques while maintaining a stable position on your board eliminates any mental distractions, and has the potential to be an incredible tool for meditation. As you pay attention to the movement of each muscle group, you may feel more in sync with your body. As you paddle with or against the current, you will sense a greater connection to yourself and the ocean.

Your body will automatically relax as soon as you enter this relaxed state of mind.

SUP Is Known To Improve Sleep Quality

When discussing the benefits of SUPing for anxiety relief, it's important to mention how much better you'll sleep as a result of this activity. Rest is essential for recharging your system and preparing for the days ahead.

Stand-up paddle boarding is a great way to get a dose of the ocean's fresh air while on the water. Positive ions in ocean air have been scientifically proven to aid our ability to absorb more oxygen. This in turn, can assist us in reestablishing a healthy sleep pattern. Our ability to relax and unwind at the end of the day can be much improved by simply spending time on a paddle board and having fun.

SUP Yoga: Another Great Way To Fight Anxiety

An increasing number of people in the SUP world are incorporating yoga into their workouts. Cortisol (or stress hormone) reduction and improved oxygen circulation are just two of the many advantages of yoga. As a result, it is an excellent exercise for anyone seeking to unwind. Posing on a paddleboard adds a new level of difficulty. In the end, you'll need to put in more effort to succeed. Focusing on the present moment can help you let go of your anxieties.

An added benefit to this fantastic activity is that SUP yoga leads to tranquility and happiness, which in turn results in a healthier immune system.

Nature Offers A Complete Break From The Body And mind

Many people now work from home, which makes it difficult to keep job stress separate from the (supposedly) serene atmosphere of your own residence. SUP is a great way to escape the daily grind. Taking a break from work has been shown to boost productivity, as well as your emotional health. As a result of being refreshed, you'll discover that certain tasks are a lot easier to handle, which will in turn lead to less stress.

SUP Raises Your Level Of Awareness

Exercise boosts your heart rate and the amount of blood pumped to your brain, which is why it's so good for your brain. It’s important to always ensure that your brain is getting enough oxygen. As a matter of fact, numerous studies have reported that a well-oxygenated brain aids in the management of stress and anxiety, as well as the alleviation of depression.

When engaging in a low-impact activity like SUP, your body produces “happy chemicals” known as endorphins.  When these endorphins bind to receptors in your brain, they diminish the sensation of pain. To put it simply, they lift your spirit and put a smile on your face!

You'll feel better for a couple of hours after working out because of the release of “feel-good” hormones like serotonin and dopamine in your brain. So, while you're out on the water, make sure to take deep breaths and get plenty of oxygen to your brain. The benefits are long-lasting and well worth the effort!

Paddle boarding is an excellent option for those looking for a low-impact workout. It's easy to go into a Zen-like state when you're on the water because of the repetitive actions and the abundance of fresh air. The results are simply amazing!
For a brief amount of time, you can reduce your body's production of the stress hormone cortisol by engaging in this rhythmic activity.

High-impact sports like running might momentarily raise your cortisol levels, but a low-impact and monotonous activity like paddle boarding can drastically lower your cortisol levels in just a few minutes. As you continue paddle boarding, your body produces beneficial compounds that calm your muscles and organs while increasing blood flow to the brain. As a result, you'll be amazed at how fantastic you feel after a SUP session.

Keep Paddling!

Even a few minutes of exercise out on the water is better than doing nothing at all. Paddling is an excellent way to clear your mind and focus on your body's movements; it's also a great way to get in touch with the flow of water under your board and strengthen your core.

SUP can assist you in a variety of ways when it comes to managing your emotions. And even if you don't paddle as often as you'd want, a few sessions a month will do wonders for your mental health!

Go out there and have a great time! And also, don’t forget to breathe!