SAFETY continued of suffering, the healthy form enhances the diving experience, enabling conscious, soothing immersion. As you may remember from a recent edition of Scuba Diving Industry Magazine , I (Dan Orr) addressed the importance of focus in terms of situational awareness. In terms of mental health, that situational awareness includes being aware of everything going on around us during a dive and interpreting
and mental clarity, allowing you to reconnect with our deepest emotions. This absence of verbal communication even de- velops better empathy, as divers must follow their instincts and rely on the body language and facial expressions of their buddy Faced with stressful situations, divers learn to rely first and foremost on their ability to handle a problem alone, rather
how those things may impact our safety and the safety of those we dive with. Situational awareness should also include being aware of our own emo- tional wellbeing. Similarly, pathological hyper- vigilance, exacerbated by the constant use of cell phones,
than verbalizing it and seeking outside help. This improves self- efficacy, resilience and concen- tration. Attention to detail, such as being situationally aware during a dive, can be positively linked to mental health, as it allows a diver to focus their concentration and,
creates a permanent state of alert, anxiously awaiting notifi- cations and messages. This digital addiction feeds a cycle of stress, fear of missing out (FOMO) and dependence on the dopamine released by virtual interactions. By physically cutting off from this source of hyperstimula- tion, scuba diving offers a radical, and potentially, welcomed break. This forced disconnection enables the nervous system to reset itself, to free itself from the grip of incessant alerts.
following a successful dive, enjoy a sense of accomplishment. Mindfulness (Awareness): Scuba diving demands our full and complete attention, as you have to focus on our sur- roundings, our equipment and the parameters of our dive plan. "Focus" in mental health therapy refers to a therapeutic approach that emphasizes directing someone’s attention in- wards, allowing them to deeply explore and understand their internal experiences. This is often done by paying close at-
Underwater silence, the absence of visual and auditory stimuli, promotes a state of calm and self- centeredness. In this way, diving can act as an antidote to the pathological hy- pervigilance induced by cell
tention to bodily sensations and subtle feelings in order to gain greater self-awareness and facili- tate personal growth. Mindful- ness, therefore, is a way of paying attention to the present moment, using techniques like meditation,
breathing. This type of mindfulness can heighten our senses and make you more aware of our surroundings, making you a safer diver. Diving and meditative diving: We've just listed a number of reasons why diving is one of the best sports for stress man- agement. But do you know what? It's even possible to en- hance these beneficial effects by practicing targeted diving exercises. Protocols combining diving with meditation and sports psychology techniques have recently been developed, with very promising results... Stay tuned! Becoming a certified scuba diver not only opens the door
phones. It offers a space for digital detoxification, enabling us to regain psychic balance and reconnect with the present moment. The absence of verbal communication during diving has a profound impact on cognition and can be a powerful tool for stress management. Immersion diving, deprived of verbal communication, transforms the experience into a form of aquatic meditation. Deprived of words, divers refocus their attention on the present moment, immersing themselves in bodily sensations and the underwater environment. This aquatic “mindfulness” calms the mind, releasing ruminations and reducing anxiety. Non-verbal communication, through signs and gestures, strengthens the connection with the part- ner and nature, creating a deep, silent bond. Underwater si- lence offers a welcome cognitive break, allowing the brain to rest and regenerate. This tranquility encourages introspection
to exciting underwater adventures, but it also can be beneficial for our mental health. From reduc- ing stress, to increasing self-confidence, and con- necting to nature, scuba diving can be a powerful tool for promoting mental well-being.
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