Kayaking is a great way to improve your well-being. It is a low-impact activity that can help to turn you into the person you have always wanted to be. Moreover, it enables you to see the world from a different perspective and get closer to nature than ever before. From improving your fitness to allowing you to spend quality time with your family, there are myriad reasons for choosing to take up this particular activity. This post will cover how kayaking can be beneficial for your mental and physical well-being.
It Is Great For Your Physical Health
Kayaking is a great way to stay active due to its low-impact nature. It has been shown that kayaking can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. However, there is more to it than that. It can hugely increase your flexibility (more on that a bit later), and it works muscles you never realized existed! While you aren't going to gain pounds of muscle, you will improve your stabilizer muscles and your entire cardiovascular system.
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If you want to get a wide range of movements, you should take a look at the various models available. Kayaks that allow you to stand will provide the most bang for your buck as they enable you to work different muscles. Not all kayaks are designed for standing, so if you are new to the sport, you should spend time researching the best options for your circumstances. Nevertheless, it is safe to say that even the lightest paddles down the calmest rivers will still offer numerous health benefits.
It Is Possible To Improve Your Mental Health
Spending time outdoors and getting fresh air may reduce stress and boost your mental health. This is partly due to several reasons ranging from increasing your vitamin D levels to the hormones produced from exercise.
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Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that is needed for the body to function correctly. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Due to modern sedentary office-based lifestyles, many people simply don't get enough. It can be obtained through natural sources or supplements. There are many ways that vitamin D can help with mental health. However, it is primarily responsible for regulating serotonin production. Nevertheless, getting your daily dose naturally is by far the most effective method. As kayaking is mainly an outdoor activity, you will significantly benefit from participating.
Hormonal
A kayaking session increases the release of certain brain chemicals, such as:
- Endorphins
- Dopamine
- Norepinephrine
- Serotonin
Neurotransmitters, especially endorphins, help regulate your mood, making you feel happier and boosting your self-esteem.
You Can Include Your Family
If you are a self-proclaimed workaholic and lament the fact that you don't spend enough time with your family, kayaking could be the perfect remedy. Kayaking is accessible to almost all ages and enables time for families to be together but also for self-reflection. You can make it a weekly activity or set up dedicated times throughout the year to participate. The point is that you will spend quality time together and create beautiful memories to look back on. Moreover, your entire family will benefit from the health benefits, as discussed earlier.
You'll Be More Supple And Flexible
A significant advantage of regular kayaking is that you can improve your body's flexibility. One of the major benefits of increased flexibility is the ability to perform better in everyday activities. Increased flexibility can also help reduce injuries because it prevents you from overextending yourself during other physical activities. Furthermore, improved flexibility often results in a better posture. Therefore, don't be surprised if, after several months of regular kayaking, you find that nagging back pain slowly dissipates.
The Quality Of Your Sleep Will Improve
Everyone knows that high-quality sleep is vital for human health. However, not everyone receives enough of it. This can be due to various factors, including stress, sedentary lifestyles, insufficient mental stimulation, or more. Kayaking is a sport that requires you to be alert and aware of your surroundings keeping your brain active. Moreover, the physical activity of kayaking will help you release endorphins, the chemicals that make you happy. Additionally, the mere act of getting outside and having a hobby is often enough to dramatically lower stress levels and eliminate poisonous cortisol accumulated over time.
It Is A Great Way To Unwind And Escape The Stresses Of Modern Living
One thing not mentioned thus far is kayaking's capability to provide introspection and escape. These are two vital aspects of life that everyone needs to center themselves and take a step back from an increasingly hectic and unpredictable world. The time you dedicate to your new hobby will allow you time to introspect and think about the past and future. The best thing is that you can choose between sedate contemplation and active participation at this point. If you are feeling particularly melancholy, you can often wash away depressive feelings by taking your kayak out on waters that require intense concentration. Conversely, you can float down a quiet river and plan your week ahead.
You Will See More Of The World
There are some folks who wake up, go to work, hit the pub, go home, watch TV, then go to bed, and never even explore their local surroundings. Unfortunately, this is far more common than you might want to imagine and is often a consequence of modern life. Kayaking allows you to get out of this rut and explore more of the world (or even your local area). By getting out more often, you will open up your mind, meet new people, and hopefully become a better person for it.
It Will Make You More Interesting As A Person
Kayaking is a thrilling activity, and when you crack out a kayak anecdote at a party that everyone enjoys, you'll feel like a million bucks! This will drastically improve your self-esteem and turn you from boring old Joe Bloggs to "that extreme sports guy"!
The benefits of kayaking are numerous. Nevertheless, the physical benefits are only one aspect of its benefits, however. You will become more connected to the outdoors and, consequently, far happier.
