People ask me quite frequently why I like boating so much. Now I don’t have to search for just the right words. I can just say there is scientific proof the mere sight, smell or sound of water triggers a biological response that lowers cortisol (your body’s stress hormone), increases serotonin (the “happy chemical”), and induces relaxation.
That’s what Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, marine biologist and author of Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do, writes about his research into the health and wellness benefits of boating.
“Being on a boat is one of the best ways to access the wellness benefits of the water,” says Dr. Nichols.
Red Mind, Blue Mind
“Red Mind” according to his research is a state described as an “edgy high, characterized by stress, anxiety and fear.”
He says this is exacerbated by a constant connection to technology that means our brains don’t get a break.
The flip side of “Red Mind” is “Blue Mind” – a mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense of general happiness.
Blue Mind and Boating
As you might guess, Nichols says boating triggers the Blue Mind. It provides the means to get outside of daily routines, allowing our brains to reset.
Being on a boat promotes physiological and psychological changes spanning health and wellness, awe and wonder, creativity and play, happiness and relaxation.
And if I can’t remember all that stuff about cortisol and serotonin the next time someone asks why I like boating and watersports so much, I can always just say because it’s so fun. That works too.
People ask me quite frequently why I like boating so much. Now I don’t have to search for just the right words. I can just say there is scientific proof the mere sight, smell or sound of water triggers a biological response that lowers cortisol (your body’s stress hormone), increases serotonin (the “happy chemical”), and induces relaxation.
That’s what Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, marine biologist and author of Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do, writes about his research into the health and wellness benefits of boating.
“Being on a boat is one of the best ways to access the wellness benefits of the water,” says Dr. Nichols.
Red Mind, Blue Mind
“Red Mind” according to his research is a state described as an “edgy high, characterized by stress, anxiety and fear.”
He says this is exacerbated by a constant connection to technology that means our brains don’t get a break.
The flip side of “Red Mind” is “Blue Mind” – a mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense of general happiness.
Blue Mind and Boating
As you might guess, Nichols says boating triggers the Blue Mind. It provides the means to get outside of daily routines, allowing our brains to reset.
Being on a boat promotes physiological and psychological changes spanning health and wellness, awe and wonder, creativity and play, happiness and relaxation.
And if I can’t remember all that stuff about cortisol and serotonin the next time someone asks why I like boating and watersports so much, I can always just say because it’s so fun. That works too.
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