People who live in natural surroundings are often thought to be among the happiest and most satisfied in the world, and for a great reason. Research has shown that spending longer periods of time near rivers, lakes, and oceans can have a number of positive effects on our health and well-being. While relaxation and mood improvements don’t exactly come as a surprise, here are some interesting benefits of being near water that can affect our mental and emotional health in more significant ways:
Providing necessary stress relief
Spending time near water has a number of benefits for our health and well-being, but among the most commonly talked about advantages is its undeniable stress-relieving power. Spending as little as 30 minutes close to a body of water can put us in a certain meditative state, giving us the opportunity to relax, refresh, and re-energize.
We don’t even need to be physically emerged in the water to experience its calming effects. Simply being near the water, smelling the sea salt in the air, or watching the charming river ripples appear can allow us to be more present in the moment, forget about our worries, and completely relax and unwind, even if it is only for a little while.
Making us happier and healthier
Like most other forms of exercise, doing water sports, going swimming, or performing any other water-based activity can encourage our body to produce more serotonin and endorphins. Often referred to as “happy chemicals”, these hormones allow us to be more positive, feel happier and more content, and feel significantly better about ourselves overall.
Being in the water can also force us to engage all our senses at the same time. This is especially true when performing certain water-related activities, when the physical effort we put into the activity combines with other factors such as the smell or the resistance of the water. Being quite a unique situation you simply won’t come across otherwise, this forces you to be more centered and focused, thus releasing pent-up tension and allowing you to clear your mind.
Encouraging fun and relaxation
When we are out in the open sea, it truly is a one of a kind experience. From the beautiful smell of sea in the air and the feeling of wind in our hair to the stunning sunsets and some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes we will ever come across, truly every aspect of spending time at sea can promote pleasure, relaxation, and fun.
And this experience can be enhanced even more if we choose yachts for charter to complete our journey. Sailing in a luxurious yacht and creating our own schedules while having a professional crew by our side to take care of the difficult work is the best way to simply relax, unwind, and enjoy the journey. It is one of the most pleasant and memorable experiences imaginable.
Increasing our sensory awareness
As already mentioned, spending time in the water can heighten our senses, making us feel much more connected to nature. Whether we need to feel the movement of the water, the motion of the wind, or any other factor that affects our experience in the water, this could help us to become more aware of our bodies and learn how to adapt to our environments.
Particularly when we go swimming, sailing, or surfing, we are forced to adjust to our circumstances in an effort to stay afloat, and learn how to utilize our equipment and our bodies for optimal performance. Not only can this lower stress and boost our sensory skills, but it could also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, making us happier and healthier overall.
Giving us some peace of mind
Being near the water is quite calming and soothing on its own. We don’t even have to participate in any water-related activities in order to feel its relaxing effects that give us the opportunity to truly unwind and find some much-needed peace of mind.
When we are close to water, we can reach the so-called “blue mind” state. This helps us to reduce stress, become more in tune with our thoughts and feelings, and reconnect with nature, as well as ourselves. Even just looking at a stunning sunset hiding behind the horizon can encourage imagination and creativity.
Whether it’s the sea, a lake, or even a river, being close to any body of water can be beneficial for our physical and mental health. By reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and encouraging calmness, spending time near water can evidently make us much happier and more content with our lives overall.
