There have been many scientists and medical professional who have extolled the benefits of living near the ocean, however the truth is that there are benefits to living near water of any kind. Living or spending time near fresh water lakes or even rivers and waterfalls can also provide a number of benefits that are good for your health. Here is a look at some of those benefits:
Stress Relief
Whether you sit by a lake and listen to the water lapping on the beach, sit watching a bubbling brook, or spend a few minutes floating in a pond, you can feel yourself begin to relax and the stress and the strain from your hectic life seems to melt away. Some scientists refer to this effect as “blue mind” where an expansion of water relieves stress and even anxiety. Which does make sense when you consider that blue has long been known as a calming color.
Strengthening of Your Immune System
Breathing in fresh clean air and being able to relax and relieve stress all help to strengthen your immune system making it easier to avoid common illness and recovering quicker when you do get ill. The stronger your immune system is the healthier you are overall.
Increased White Blood Cell Counts
Plants and trees that grow near water give off chemicals known as phytoncides. When you breath in the air containing these chemicals your white blood cells increase, which helps your body fight off illness and infections.
Increased Dopamine Levels
Although scientists aren’t sure why looking out over water puts most people into a meditative state that floods the brain with Dopamine a neurotransmitter that results in feelings of happiness. Studies have shown that people who live near water feel generally happier and have a more positive outlook on life than those who do not live or spend any time near water.
Better Sleep
The combination of fresh air, water and sunshine helps to clear the mind, reduce stress and make for better and more restful sleep. Studies have shown when people get a good night’s sleep, they are less accident prone, more alert, can think clearer, have a more positive attitude and are more productive. In addition, getting adequate rest allows your body and mind to rejuvenate helping you maintain better health. What could be better then waking up in your Miami condo overlooking the Atlantic Ocean?
Exercise More
While some people are content to sit by the water most people like to swim, wade, row a boat, or walk along the shore collecting shells and driftwood. Even these mild forms of exercise help a person to live a longer and healthier life.
While scientists are not able to explain why living or spending time near water has such beneficial effects on the human health, they know that it does. Perhaps that is why so many people tend to vacation near the ocean or major lakes or even when possible spend their lunch hours near a body of water. It as though, the water itself is calling to them telling them that any time spent near water has the power to heal and rejuvenate their bodies, minds and souls.
