Kayaking for Mindfulness & Mental Wellness

In today’s world, we seem to have retreated further and further from nature and each other. Kayaking helps to change that. We might not even be aware of all the wonderful benefits of kayaking for mental health so while the physical benefits of kayaking might be clear, mental health benefits are subtler. We might not even know what is happening in our brains as we paddle. 

Let’s look at the advantages of kayaking for mindfulness and mental health.

Kayaking for Stress Reduction 

Time and time again, research shows being in nature enhances mood and decreases stress levels. You may have heard of “green theory” which supports the connection that nature & green spaces can help bodies recover from surgery faster, release stress-reducing hormones, promote relaxation, and boost mood through natural light.  

Dr. Wallace Nichols, a marine biologist, has also popularized “blue mind theory” as well. Not just the green spaces of nature but also the blue spaces of water can have a profound effect on humans. Being near the negative ions in water can release serotonin and reduce blood lactate levels, which lower stress and elevate mood. In addition, a balance of stimulation and relaxation happens when we are on the water. 

Kayaking for Mental Acuity & Resilience

Kayaking requires mental fitness that enhances problem-solving skills and leads to cognitive flexibility and strategic thinking. When we navigate through new waters, adapt to unforeseen obstacles, or face unexpected challenges, we train our brains and keep them active. This taps into our hippocampus as well. The hippocampus is in charge of verbal memory and acquisition of knowledge, which makes us more resilient. The bilateral motion of paddling is also good for the brain. 

Because kayaking includes relaxation and adventure, paddlers can learn to swing quickly between the two extremes. Kayaking leads to mental resilience, the ability to mentally and emotionally cope with a crisis and return to pre-crisis levels quickly. Honing these skills on the water can translate into your daily life as well.  

Kayaking for Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the meditative act of staying present in the moment as you tune into your surroundings. Simply being on the water and paddling requires you to focus on your surroundings. This can lead to decreased anxiety. Staying in the moment detaches you from worry, overplanning, and stress as you focus just on where you are at a certain point in time. The rhythmic nature of paddling induces this meditative state where you clear your mind and connect with the moment. 

Kayaking can promote this holistic mindset where you engage all your senses: sight, scent, sound, touch, even taste. Focusing on your senses pulls you into the present moment as you leave everything else behind. This beneficial mindset can carry into the rest of your life. 

Mindfulness Tips:

• Focus on your senses: what do you see, hear, smell, taste, feel? Stay in the moment.
• Pay attention to now: focus on the present and resist thinking about the past or future. Promote inner calm.
• Accept yourself: watch your self-talk and be ok with where you are in that moment. Quiet your inner critic.
• Breath: watch your breath. Think about how it moves through your body. Let it calm you.

Kayaking for Mood Enhancement & Self-Confidence

Kayaking can boost your mood as you challenge yourself physically and mentally. As mentioned above, as you paddle, your brain releases stress-reducing and mood-boosting chemicals that can lead to peace and well-being. Immersing yourself in nature and absorbing all the benefits of green and blue spaces can make you a happier person - on and off the water.

You can also build your self-confidence as you problem-solve and challenge your body and mind. All of these can translate into a more confident you! Kayaking can also build social connections that are so important for humans. Isolation and depression / anxiety can have detrimental health risks and lead us to fear reaching out to others. Kayaking can bridge that gap as it gives you a community of people to engage with through a shared activity. It gives you the confidence to reach out to others who enjoy what you do. Booking a guided trip or joining a local club can really boost your mood and confidence. 

Kayaking is an intersection between relaxation and adventure. Each time you go out to paddle, you build your brain and contribute to your physical AND mental health. Who knew such a little vessel could bring such gigantic benefits of wellness? Happy paddling!