How Being Near Water Benefits Heart, Body, and Soul
It's clear that spending time near water is good for our physical and mental health.
When life is difficult, or there are big decisions to be made, I need to be near the water. Last summer I spent many hours in the courtyard of a local cafe, listening to the burble of fountains and the soft tones of windchimes in the breeze.
This summer a coffee shop opened up just a few blocks from my house, and I've spent so much time on their balcony that overlooks the lake. I think I've always instinctively sought the positive effects and mental well-being that comes from sitting near a natural body of water, but recently, I've become even more aware of just how much I seek out water to soothe my soul.
I first noticed this trend almost a decade ago, when I was considering the extremely difficult decision to leave a job that I loved in order to regain my mental health. At the time, we lived within an hour's drive of the Atlantic Ocean, and despite full days and a tight budget, more often than not we'd choose to pack up the kids and drive to the beach.
There, I'd sit and listen to the ocean waves and after a couple of minutes, feelings of relaxation would start to soothe my heart and I'd feel my soul start to unwind. Once my mind was quiet, it was easier to hear my heart, and determine what path I needed to take. Since then, I've sat by many bodies of water in order to center my heart, body, and mind.
Recently, I ran across this article by Kathleen Holder, which references a pair of studies that indicate that just viewing water can be good for our physical and mental health. In the first study, participants in an outdoor setting viewed either a swimming pool, a tree in a parking lot, or a street sign; those who viewed the swimming pool experienced lower blood pressure than those who viewed the tree or the sign.
The second study recorded heart rates, blood pressure, and subjective relaxation ratings of participants who alternated between viewing water (a lake or creek) vs. the adjacent ground. Heart rates and blood pressure averaged lower and relaxation ratings averaged higher when participants were viewing the water.
There are many theories for why just being around bodies of water has such a calming effect on the human body – water is necessary to life, so it makes sense that human beings would have positive feelings about this vital resource. Author and marine biologist Dr. Walter J. Nichols dives into several other reasons proximity to water may improve our productivity and well-being in his book *Blue Mind.
Whatever the exact reasons, it's clear that spending time around water is undeniably good for both our physical and mental health.
Staring at an expanse of water creates a sense of awe, and reminds me that the world is so much bigger than me. While this doesn't seem like that would be helpful, there's something incredibly powerful about realizing that the world does not, in fact, rest on my shoulders, and that the sun will continue to rise and set without my help.
I need this reminder more often than you would think (I'm an eldest daughter after all) and nothing works as well to soothe my soul as a trip to the ocean, or our very own inland sea. Digging my feet into the sand, running my fingers over the wave-worn surface of rocks or sea glass, listening to the sound of water and a gentle breeze grounds me. Out of this calmness, creativity and hope start to grow.
Last weekend I sat on the beach at Wisconsin Point, staring across Lake Superior, and considering my options as I reflected on an ongoing job search and the choices that brought me to this place. Yesterday, we made the drive again – this time to Canal Park – where we watched the ships come in and discussed significant changes just around the bend as we navigate unexpected obstacles and revised plans.
Later, I stood knee-deep in the always-cold water, feeling my tension drift away on the breeze. Next to the vast expanse of water in front of me, the challenges I face finally feel surmountable.
I'm reminded of the ancient words:
Are you drawn to the water during times of stress or change? Where do you go?
Jamie Siebens is a writer, editor, and administrative genius with a knack for getting things done. She lives in Northwest Wisconsin with her husband, teen daughters, and a quirky rescue pup named Bentley. She writes about perspective, personal growth, and intentional living at www.jamiesiebens.com
*Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps me to keep the lights on here (so to speak) and continue creating free content. Thanks for your support!