Boating is a fun activity that millions of Americans every year enjoy especially during the summer. However, what you might not know about boating is that in addition to helping you cool down, it can also provide you with some mental health benefits. Check out this boat sales site if you are looking at getting a boat for your mental health.
Here are 8 ways boating can benefit your mental health as stated by Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, Ph.D., a marine biologist and author of Blue Mind, the bestselling book on the scientific connection between water and happiness.
It facilitates meditation
There is no denying that sometimes the hustle and bustle you experience in your everyday activities can be quite a lot to take in. At times, you just need to get away from it all and recharge, and boating is the best way to do that.
One of the best things about boating is that it helps you get in touch with nature and enjoy all the calm and peace that comes with it. This provides the ideal setting you need for your meditating experience and being in that particular moment.
It builds relationships
As you take your time to bond with all the people close to you during boating, you’re bound to create good and unforgettable memories which will stay with you for longer and always give you something to be fond of.
Also, it’s important to note that you can also become more compassionate and empathetic as you work closely with your boating companions.
It induces creativity
Your creativity levels can easily be suppressed by stress. However, boating is one of the best activities you can use to melt that stress away and get in touch with your creative side.
All this comes down to your body releasing those endorphins that help induce creativity through euphoria. For this reason, if you ever find yourself battling with a creative slump and could use some inspiration, boating is the best way to do it.
It helps reset the brain
Life can be very stressful and hectic. All you need sometimes is to escape from all the pressure and stress, especially when you have the time for it. Taking your boat out into the blue waters is a great way to mitigate stress, spend time with people who make you happy, and forget about all the worries of the world.
During this time, you can reset your brain and get in touch with your happy place. This is an efficient way to bring peace back home with you.
It appeals to the senses
Another great benefit that comes with boating is that it can easily appeal to your senses. This is because spending some quality time out there in the water while enjoying nature helps pump some endorphins that will keep you content for the longest.
Whether you’re boating mainly for excitement or pure relaxation, being out there on the waters will help flood your senses and give you a great sense of enthusiasm with your life.
It gives you a sense of safety and security
Boating is also important for your mental health because it gives you a primal sense of safety and security. Simply being out there in the waters will help relieve you of any signs of anxiety and depression.
As you might know by now, water is an essential part of life. Spending some quality time boating on familiar waters will give you a great sense of comfort that your mental health needs.
It is awe-inspiring
Awe is a very important emotion that can help you get outside of yourself and think about the important things in life. Awe is uniquely tied to a sense of purpose, meaning, self-worth, and compassion that helps you face life challenges with determination and hope.
Water is undoubtedly one of the greatest sources of wonders in the world and being out there in your boat helps you experience this awe.
It creates routine
One of the best things about boating is that you can develop a routine that makes you feel more in control of everything. This is particularly important as it helps you cope with change much better and also reduces stress levels.
Among the routines that emerge when you start boating is boat maintenance and care, which can be a mindful experience that can be therapeutic for you. Checking and changing the engine fluids, using rust and corrosion protectants like Yamashield, and washing and cleaning your boat are all activities and experiences you can do mindfully. Taking proper care of something you love like your boat and protecting and extending its life will bring you joy. This is extremely beneficial to your mental health.
If you didn’t have a good reason to begin boating, now you have one. As shown above, boating can be a very fun activity to engage with your loved ones while also keeping your mental health in check.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
