How Paddleboarding Boosts My Physical and Mental Wellbeing
Since being diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma—a benign brain tumor that has affected my hearing and brought with it a constant battle with tinnitus—maintaining my physical and mental health has become even more important. This diagnosis has been a constant reminder to focus on self-care and stay proactive in managing my well-being. One of the most significant tools I’ve found in this journey has been paddleboarding. It’s not just a hobby but a lifeline, helping me stay physically fit while keeping my mental health in check.
We often hear the old adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but for me, it’s been more like, “A paddle a day keeps the doctor away.” Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has become my go-to activity, offering a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and an excellent full-body workout. It’s a perfect escape from the pressures of daily life, and the benefits, both physical and mental, are immense. Let me take you through why I’m so passionate about it.
Physical Benefits
Paddleboarding is a full-body workout that hits muscles you didn’t even know you had! It strengthens your core, arms, legs, and back, helping to improve overall balance and coordination. As you stabilize yourself on the board while navigating the water, your body naturally engages your core muscles to keep upright. Over time, this improves balance and enhances your posture, which has been invaluable in my day-to-day life.
For someone like me who loves staying active, paddleboarding complements my daily Peloton classes, whether it’s on the bike, treadmill, or strength training. The variety keeps things exciting, and paddleboarding adds a different kind of challenge—a balance between fitness and nature. While I’m consistent with my Peloton workouts, paddleboarding offers a low-impact yet effective way to strengthen muscles and improve cardiovascular health without the monotony of indoor exercise.
It’s also great for burning calories. After a good paddleboarding session, I can feel the difference in my body. And because it’s so enjoyable, it doesn’t feel like hard work—it’s just fun! Plus, the time spent outdoors in natural sunlight is an excellent way to get a boost of vitamin D, which helps with everything from maintaining strong bones to improving mood.
Mental Benefits
While the physical benefits are impressive, the mental rewards are what have truly transformed paddleboarding into a staple of my wellness routine. Living with an acoustic neuroma has been challenging, especially with the constant tinnitus in my right ear. This relentless ringing can be exhausting and mentally draining. Paddleboarding has given me a way to clear my head and relieve some of that mental load.
Being out on the water is like stepping into another world. The calmness of the lake or ocean, the sound of the water lapping against the board, and the feeling of floating in nature’s embrace all work together to melt away stress. It’s a form of mindfulness that happens naturally—something I’ve come to rely on to stay centered.
Research has shown that being near water, sometimes called “blue space,” can have powerful calming effects on the mind. I’ve experienced this firsthand. When I’m out paddling, my worries about my diagnosis, work, and the demands of daily life seem to drift away with the current. The repetitive motion of paddling, combined with the natural surroundings, helps me enter a state of flow where all that matters is the present moment.
This kind of mental clarity has been crucial in managing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with having a tumor. The anxiety of waiting for results or worrying about my health can build up, but after a paddleboarding session, I feel like I’ve reset my mind. I come back to shore feeling more balanced and capable of facing whatever challenges lie ahead.
Relieving Stress and Finding Peace
We all lead hectic lives these days, and stress has a way of creeping in, even when we don’t realize it. For me, dealing with a diagnosis like an acoustic neuroma has amplified that stress, making it crucial to find ways to decompress. Paddleboarding has become my go-to remedy for stress relief. There’s something about being surrounded by nature, far away from the noise and busyness of everyday life, that puts everything into perspective.
The social aspect of paddleboarding has also been a major benefit. Going out with friends or joining a paddleboarding group adds an element of connection and support, which has been therapeutic in its own right. Sharing that time on the water with others, laughing, exploring, and simply enjoying the experience together helps foster a sense of well-being that’s hard to replicate in other activities.
A New Approach to Health
Since my diagnosis, I’ve had to reassess what health means to me, both physically and mentally. Paddleboarding has given me a fresh perspective on how to stay active and care for my mental health in a way that feels enjoyable and sustainable. It’s not just about burning calories or staying fit—it’s about finding balance, peace, and clarity amid life’s challenges.
The benefits of paddleboarding extend far beyond the physical. For me, it’s been a powerful tool in managing stress, anxiety, and the mental toll of living with a health condition. I’ve found that regular time on the water helps me maintain mental clarity, reduce stress, and keep a positive outlook, even when things feel overwhelming.
Embracing Paddleboarding for the Long Haul
Whether you’re dealing with a medical condition or simply looking for a way to boost your overall well-being, I can’t recommend paddleboarding enough. It offers a unique combination of physical exercise, mental relaxation, and a connection to nature that’s hard to find in any other sport. For me, it’s been an essential part of my journey toward maintaining my health and finding peace in uncertain times.
So if you’re looking for an activity that strengthens both body and mind, why not give paddleboarding a try? It might just become the therapy you didn’t know you needed, just as it has for me.
