Five Reasons Being Near the Water is Good For Your Health

by Jamie Turpin January 9, 2020

I've worked in the health and wellness field for the majority of my career. I've always advised people to find their contentment - whatever that may be - to nourish their soul and complete a well rounded wellness plan. For me personally, part of my overall wellness must include frequent visits to the ocean in some capacity. Being on, near or close to the water does make me more content. And the beauty is that science has confirmed it. In his book, Blue Mind, Wallace Nichols explains how science proves that human beings are naturally drawn to blue space. He outlines in detail the many benefits that humans experience just by visiting the ocean or sitting and listening to a water fall.

Five Reasons WHY being Near the Water is Good for Your Health:

You experience greater happiness. The term "Blue Mind", coined by author Wallace Nichols is "A mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peace, unity, and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment." Personally, I have yet to meet a person who wasn't even just a little bit happier when they were standing on a beach gazing at the ocean.
You sleep better. People can spend a lot of money to buy a white noise machine that provides all sorts of sounds to help you doze off. One of the most popular is the ocean waves sound. Science does confirm that exposure to water is known to relax the mind and spirit in a meditative way.
You engage your senses. In a world where many Americans are stressed out and tied to their phones, work place, computers, etc - getting outside to be by water is a way of engaging our senses in a healthy way. In
"Blue Mind", Nichols explains how "almost all of the senses are engaged—sight, smell, hearing, and touch, and this physical immersion in reality makes us feel better, even though we sometimes imagine we can’t part with our phones for even a moment."
You lengthen your life. You did read that right! Living by the water can actually days to our lives. Getting even a moderate amount of down time and light physical activity can increase life expectancy, according to the National Cancer Institute. Ready to go stroll the beach to pick up shells?
You boost your immune system. Living by the water will not only lower the stress in your life, but it will also increase your immune system. Reducing the stress means that your body has more potential to be healthy and vibrant. The water brings us fresh air, sunshine (usually!) and a natural dose of daily vitamins.

Lighting an Anchor Hill Candle Co candle can substitute for a quick trip to the ocean as well!