As a boater, I’ve always loved being out on the water. Using it as an escape from the busyness of the city and feeling stress-free with little to no interruptions. Those of us who have spent time on the water all inherently know one thing. That being out on the water makes us feel good. The sound and feeling of the water beneath us, the sun warming us with its heat. The worries of the day seemingly dissipating as you step off the dock. Now those feelings are being backed up by proof!
Water offers us a “Blue Mind”
Recent research has shown that people experience positive emotional, behavioral and psychological benefits being around water. As well as participating in activities such as boating. Dr. Wallace Nichols, a marine biologist is the author of Blue Mind. It is a bestselling book on the scientific connection between water and happiness. It explores the overall health benefits of spending time on a boat. According to Dr. Nichols:
“We now know, thanks to science, that the mere sight and sound of water promotes wellness by lowering cortisol, increasing serotonin and inducing relaxation. It only makes sense that being on a boat is one of the best ways to access the wellness benefits of the water.”
In today’s age of technology and urbanization, it can often create a stressful environment offering little to no reprieve in day-to-day life. As you step onto a boat, all these stressors begin to fade away. A general sense of happiness and calm begins to come over you, placing you in what Dr. Nichols calls a “blue mind”.
According to Dr. Nichols being on a boat promotes physiological and psychological changes, sparking creativity and play. Boating resets our brains, allowing us time to relax and recharge while connecting us with nature. It’s meditative by offering an escape from our everyday lives and generating a space to de-stress. Boating appeals to our senses. The sight of water can induce feelings of happiness while the sound can promote feelings of relaxation and calmness.
Lower tension, increase health
Boating is a great way to spend time with your family while enjoying the fresh air and reaping the benefits of vitamin D, offered by the sunlight. It gives you the opportunity to unplug from technology and your daily routine to focus on your social life. Studies have shown that by spending time working on social connections, you will find positive attributes such as lower tension, a healthier appetite among other things.
There are many options you can choose from when it comes to being on the water that can increase your overall health. Snorkelling, jet skiing, fishing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and even just swimming. These are examples of water activities that you can profit from. Choose a day on the water and leave your cell phones and worries on the dock. Come back feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
