Free diving offers a new experience underwater and a whole bunch of awesome benefits.

You’ve heard of scuba diving and the excitement of swimming amongst fishes underwater, but you might not have tried it due to the costs and fears that come along with it. Snorkelling is another option, but it only offers a view from above.

Combining the best of the two, free diving allows you to explore the depths without any equipment. You will be able to go as shallow or as deep as you want, so you are more in control. It’s a great way to see the ocean without having to commit to anything too expensive.

But besides the play, there are also many health benefits that come along with free diving. If you need a gentle shove to push yourself to try it, read on.

(Also read: 10 Signs You Need to Have Swimming in Your Workout Routine)

Your mind will be completely calm

Free diving focuses mainly on your breathing. Unlike scuba diving, you will have no oxygen tank attached to you. Unless you want to keep coming up to the water’s surface every few seconds, you will have to learn how to hold your breath for extended periods of time.

That will only be possible by taking slower and deeper breaths. Whether this causes a calm mind or vice versa, your mind will definitely be free of unnecessary thoughts as you focus on your inhalations and exhalations.

(Also read: How to Do Deep Breathing For Instantly Better Health)

You will learn how to relax your body

Your mind isn’t the only thing that will relax, your body will too. Thrashing around in the water will make you panic and take short, quick breaths. To prolong your time underwater, you’ll learn to relax your body along with your brain.

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You become part of the ocean

When you snorkel, the fish avoid you because they know you’re not part of their ecosystem. Free diving, however, allows you to be at their level and environment, giving you a closer look at them.

Scuba divers will notice that it’s even easier to get close to the animals when you free dive because you would be free of bulky equipment and the big scuba bubbles.

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It’s a tough workout

Swimming is a full-body workout because all your muscles have to be activated in order to stay straight or afloat. With added pressure from the water, the underwater current, and unfamiliar conditions, your body will have to work even harder.

Often, free divers have to use weight belts in order to descend quickly and deeply. The extra 2kg or so will feel a lot heavier when you have to pull that weight through the water for many minutes.

(Also read: Here’s Why Scuba Diving Is a Solid Workout)

You will gain more confidence

With free diving, it’s just you and the water. Everything is in your control since you do not have any equipment to rely on. Though this sounds scary, it actually provides a lot of freedom.

You will feel more confident as you get to decide how fast, deep, and long to dive. Slowly, you will become more familiar with taking charge of everything when you are free diving. And of course, that sense of empowerment and achievement is incomparable.

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