Every boater can attest that being out on the water makes you feel better. But did you know that there's a real, science-backed reason why?
Water in the ocean, rivers, and lakes can make us feel calmer, increase creativity, and improve overall well-being. This phenomenon is known as the Blue Mind Theory, and we'll tell you all about it in this blog post.
Is Boating Good for Mental Health?
So, is boating a good way to promote mental wellness? The answer is absolutely.
Researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School in the United Kingdom published a study showing that people who live near the ocean are 22% less likely to report depression and anxiety symptoms than people who stay inland. The beneficial effects of "blue health" — or interacting with bodies of water — were especially high among lower-income households.
Another study showed that people living closer to the water lowered their mortality risk by as much as 17%. The "protective effects" of being near bodies of water were especially noteworthy among women and older adults.
In fact, the sounds of bodies of water can help reduce stress. Another study from the National Library of Medicine shows that travelers who participated in water-based activities saw a "positive impact on the individual's quality of life, satisfaction."
What Is Blue Mind?
Simply put, "Blue Mind" is the meditative state people fall into when they are near, in, under, or on water. In other words, it describes how being near water can induce feelings of peace.
The late Wallace J. Nichols coined the term and wrote a book titled Blue Mind, which examines the scientific reasons why being in, on, or under the water can make us happier and healthier.
"Simply the mere sight and sound of water promotes wellness by lowering cortisol, increasing serotonin, and inducing relaxation," said Nichols. In fact, he said, when it comes to reducing stress, being on a boat can be considered a type of medicine.
"Blue mind is when we disconnect and log out," Nichols continued. "We move away from the screens and we get out on the water, and leave all of that technology and information behind. We give our brains a break—and our brains love that."
Learn More About "Your Brain on a Boat"
Why Boating Promotes Wellness
"The relationship of a boat to our health has been largely overlooked," said 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."
According to MIBlueDaily, some of the ways that water (and boating) produce mental and physical health benefits include:
- Bodies of water trigger involuntary attention, which is essential to problem-solving and creativity.
- Water increases the neurotransmitters dopamine (also known as the feel-good hormone), serotonin (the happiness hormone), and oxytocin (the love hormone) while decreasing cortisol (the stress hormone).
- Water is a source of awe that expands a person's compassion.
- The color, sound, and feeling of water can lower one's pulse and increase feelings of calmness.
Why Boating Is Good for Your Overall Health and Happiness
Well, now you know! "Boater's high" and "Blue Mind" are two very real feelings – and likely ones you've experienced firsthand. Being on the water amplifies relaxation, decreases stress, and enhances our overall well-being. It also allows for spending time with friends and family, creating memories together on the water. So, if you were looking for a sign to get out on a boat, this is it.
