This wonderful outdoor sport is something that can be done in many lakes, rivers, or oceans and it's a great way for you to go exploring the great outdoors whether you are alone and seeking a meditative day of water and sun, or are with others and just looking to improve your social skills.
Those hooked on the fun call it SUP, which stands for Stand Up Paddleboarding. Whoo hoo... now you've got the lingo, let's take a look at why it's a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as interrupt the patterns that lead to depression.
Boarding your paddleboard and heading out on the water taps you in to the kind of things that typically only boaters get to enjoy. Out on the lakes and rivers, you can access the great scenic views that contribute to complete physical and mental relaxation. Out there on the water and water edges you will be as close as ever to wildlife, sunshine, exercise and the kinds of activities that lead to more balanced breathing patterns in the body.
Many just like the escape paddleboarding provides them in that they can paddle out and away from the shore which in itself is so symbolic for just getting away from it all, thus leaving the world behind, the cars and noise, the kids and chores, and finding a spot out in the open water to sit and meditate on your own. In such an environment you can find some alone time to think over life events, feelings and important decisions in life. Most of all, you can practice your mindfulness and present-moment focus via the senses.
Paddleboarding is also a very affordable activity and the boards come in models that you can haul on your car, or others that are inflatable, which allows most people the opportunity to transport them to any destination.
Once outside you immediately begin pulling in the endless advantages of living an active lifestyle. By the time you get to your favorite paddleboarding spot you are participating in exercise, fresh air, sunshine, and many find it to be a great way to socialize as there are plenty of people for you to meetup with in paddleboarding groups or friendship groups who also paddleboard.
Since the explosion of its popularity, many shops and stores have expanded to renting paddleboards, so if you find you like going but not so often that you actually need to own a paddleboard, there are lots of options to finding one you can enjoy for a few hours or days.
For those who have some anxiety about pursuing such a fun and relaxing sport, please keep in mind that you can sit down and paddle on your board as well, and though it is true that you can paddleboard if you don't know how to swim, let's be sensible here. Don't ever go out in the water without a sturdy, well fastened, tested and reliable lifejacket on. Especially if you can't swim! If you find you love the sport that much, maybe it will inspire you to begin taking some swimming lessons and tackle that skill once and for all.
Many people take up paddleboarding only to report back how much fun they are having, how it gets them outside and active, and how they can't wait to get back out there and go again. Seriously consider giving it a try. It can only be good for your mental health and has shown to counter the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
"Paddleboarding is like walking on water." ~Laird Hamilton (Big Wave Surfer)
Thanks to GR for the great image, https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/
