Water is mesmerizing, calm, and is associated with openness, depth, wisdom and purity but there is a reason why we are drawn to it and this is where our anatomy plays a roll.
The human brain consists of 75% water and the body of 60% water.
“This deep biological connection has been shown to trigger an immediate response in our brains when we’re near water. In fact, the mere sight and sound of water can induce a flood of neuro chemicals that promote wellness, increase blood flow to the brain and heart and induce relaxation” says marine biologist and author of the 2014 book ‘Blue Mind’ by Wallace Nichols.
It then comes as no surprise that spending time outdoors, by and on the water, hosts a variety of health benefits.
Health Benefits of spending time outdoors on the water
- It lowers blood pressure and reduces stress;
- Improves your mood: Dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin levels, your feel good hormones, increase on a boat while your cortisol, this is what causes stress, goes down;
- Improved focus and creativity: Boating assists in clearing your mind while water related play increases creativity;
- Improves healing, due to reducing stress which slows healing;
- Spending time outdoors makes you age gracefully, due to less sleep difficulty, and it improves mobility;
- Elevates vitamin D levels: You can improve your health just by soaking up the sun. Vitamin D is essential for bone growth, regulates your immune system, and can help battle depression. However, always take care to apply sunscreen and wear sun protection when spending lengthy time outdoors;
- Boating boosts life satisfaction: Boating develops skills and internal brain activity while appealing to almost all your senses increasing brain and blood flow;
- Reduces inflammation: Inflammation has been linked to a host of health problems, from autoimmune disorders to depression and even cancer. Various studies have shown that spending time outdoors reduces inflammation;
- Boost Immunity: If you are prone to illness, getting outdoors may help. Research suggests that spending time in nature wards off everything from diabetes and ADHD to cardiovascular disease and cancer;
- Boating is an engaging active outdoor activity that may provide the opportunity for kids to get unplugged from technology.
It is proven that 72% of people feel healthier after spending time on the water, so invest in a lifestyle that is uplifting, healthy and food for your soul!
