Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

Surfing: Your all-in-one cure

No phone. No tablet. No technology – only you, your board and a wetsuit. Pure freedom. That’s why surfing is a fantastic activity to relieve stress…and much, much more!

So, what is it about surfing that makes it appealing? We asked Hello Doctor’s resident wave catcher, Dr Michael Mol his thoughts.

“Surfing appeals to me because it’s a combination of three great loves of mine…hanging with my kids (they all surf), spending time outdoors and exercising!” says Michael.

We couldn’t agree more. Today, with fast-paced lifestyles, it’s not easy to find regular “family time”, let alone time to exercise and enjoy the outdoors – surfing gives you all of it!

“It’s also a counter to stress, doing what you enjoy and what energises you is a great remedy – and surfing does that for me; it IS a good de-stressor!” he adds.

The problem with excessive stress

It’s preventable, but if left untreated, it can cause even more frustration because you may also experience:

  • Anxiety
  • Weight gain
  • Hypertension

Surfing is your cure because:

  • You will burn calories as you surf, helping you to torch body fat.
  • Physical activity also assists in managing your blood pressure.
  • By concentrating on the water and the waves, you are able to dissolve everyday worries and focus more on the pure enjoyment of being active. This releases endorphins, commonly known as the “happy hormone”. You’ll feel your stress and anxiety melt away!

BONUS:

It’s not too expensive, because you can rent all of the equipment if you first want to try it out.

Many beaches have surf shops located nearby, for your convenience. You’ll find that surfing instructors are often stationed on the beach, to teach you the basics.

Now, you’re ready for the waves! Another awesome thing about surfing is that you don’t need to be a professional to reap its health benefits.

Here’s Dr Michael’s tip for beginners: “If you’re starting out…take a few lessons, just enough to get you up and surfing on a “foamie” – that’s usually more than enough for the bug to bite, after which wild horses (or sharks!)  couldn’t keep you away!”

After a few surf sessions, you will begin to feel – and see – the health benefits! It really is a perfect activity to cleanse your mind and body of all of the stressors in your life. So, take a trip to your nearest beach and hit the waves. Surf’s up!

Sources

http://www.livescience.com/6882-mood-lift-grab-surfboard.html

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan/03/health/la-he-fun-fitness-surfing-20110103

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/surfing-health-benefits

http://eshape.org/work-out/health-benefits-of-surfing/

http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/health-benefits-of-relaxing-in-nature/