Ocean Therapy: It's Impact on our Body and Soul
There is something special about being in an environment that humans at first thought might not be built for. The meditative state that the ocean can bring, forces attention to the moment; pushing any other stress away. Our very own salt-water therapy. The rhythm and sound of the waves, the weightlessness of being underwater, and the serene silence, all combine together to create an environment that's hard to match on land. For myself, it is one of the few places I find complete peace; it is my place to process.
For as long as I can remember, I have always been drawn to the ocean, whether that was on a boat, swimming, kayaking or snorkeling. I grew up learning about the sea, how to read marine charts, drive boats and how to be safe on the water. I learnt how to familiarize myself with my surroundings from a young age and there came a point in my life where I would have been 90% sure that if you blindfolded me and put me somewhere in the Hauraki Gulf, I would know where I was and which way was home. I think I spent more time on the water than I did on land. This love for the outdoor marine environment continued when I took Outdoor Ed in Highschool, and as much as I hated the push and the countless challenges, it sparked something in me that wanted to further use this environment to help others. Becoming certified was the best decision of my life, for 20-50mins, you have complete silence, peace and swim around in awe. The underwater world and impact on my well-being is like nothing I would ever be able to explain.
“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination, and brings eternal joy to the soul."
Studies prove that humans are naturally drawn to water out of instinct. Water is essential for life, and this association creates a subconscious connection to water, giving us a sensory experience. This ocean many of us like to call home, is filled with minerals that are good for us, such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, all of which are beneficial for the skin; working to cleanse and detoxify, promoting a healthy glow (basically acting as a free natural spa!). Not only is it good for your body and skin, but also your mental health. The ocean’s beauty is tinged with danger, vastness, and limitlessness, forcing us to question our perspective of the planet and our place in it. Filled with awe, we feel small and temporary—emotions that are not always easy, but that can also make us think less about ourselves and more about our community.
Simply just looking at the ocean activates opiate receptors in the brain, releasing dopamine and it's rush of reward. Even when you are already in a good mood, you may still seek out the water. This could be because ocean waves tend to have a frequency of around 12 cycles per minute, which is very similar to the breathing of a sleeping human, creating a calming effect. This is also proven to lower cortisol levels (your stress hormones), and increase serotonin, oxytocic and dopamine (your happy hormones). You become so relaxed that you enter a mindful state, which allows us to think more clearly, lowers our stress levels and even helps us to sleep better at night.
The ocean for me, feels more like home than anywhere else I have lived.
"The cure for anything is salt water: the sea, sweat, or tears.”
If you are thinking of becoming a certified diver, this is your sign! Being certified means that you can go anywhere in the world to hire gear and explore the unmatched underwater world. Doing certifications levels up your knowledge on the environment, skills, how to do it safely and how to be a good diver and buddy. It helps increase your attention to detail, adds another level of explorer to your list of attributes, and my goodness it is just a hell of a community! Especially with something like DLGNZ who fosters a supportive space to share experiences, dive sites, gear and excitement. It's never been easier to get together with likeminded people who love the same things as you!
Dive Like a Girl NZ- Auckland Volunteer