Have you ever wondered why you instantly feel better when you’re near the water? Global studies conclude being near water has positive effects on your mental health. Exposure to the salty sea air and sunshine is a proven mood booster.

So whether you’re stretched out on the golden sands of your favourite surf beach or trying out SUP therapy on the flat waters in Western Australia’s tranquil Woodman Point, let’s take a look at the mental health benefits you may experience.

1. Feeling calmer and more relaxed
Water is known as a natural elixir, but its effects are so powerful that even drinking a glass of water1 can activate what’s sometimes referred to as your ‘rest and digest’ system.

The medical term is parasympathetic nervous system. When triggered, your heart rate is lower, you experience lower blood pressure and your digestion improves, allowing your body to release nervous tension.

Next time you’re paddling on turquoise waters, take a moment to take in your surrounds and see if you can physically feel your body relax. Even the colour blue is proven to have a calming effect on our minds2. Scientists suggest it’s because it’s due to the colour blue’s specific wavelengths.

2. It increases mindfulness
Being surrounded by nature—once you’ve got the instagram-worthy selfies—and your phone is safety tucked away, you’re more likely to live in the moment. Being present and mindful of your beautiful surrounding reduces cortisol3, the stress hormone, to reduce.

Mindfulness allows you to live in the moment and focus on what’s happening around you rather than worrying about how much work you have to do, or dwelling on the things in your life causing anxiety and stress.


3. Reduces negative moods
Have you ever wondered why your bad mood instantly lifts when you’re swimming underwater or taking part in water activities? Even being in the water can give you a natural high. It floods your brain with feel good hormones.

Next time you feel yourself getting irritable and snappy with those around you, just 20 minutes of beach time can blow away the cobwebs.

4. Sleep better
It’s not rocket science knowing that physical activity at the beach bodes well for a better night’s sleep, but now there’s research to back it up. The Research For National Trust found that people who walked along coastal areas slept for almost 50 minutes longer than their inner city participants.

Not only is this due to the salty sea air and vitamin D, but coastal walkers were more likely to be introspective than their land-locked counterparts.  You don’t necessarily have to walk, any water sport activities will result in similar effects. The results of better sleep are tenfold—from clarity to mood enhancing.

5. As far as exercise goes, if you are in a stressed state, heading into a HIIT class environment may need to take a back seat until you mentally start to feel better. Stand Up Paddle Boarding however can be a good way to still get in your exercise without spiking your cortisol too high or raising your stress levels.

SUP is a great all-over body workout that allows you to enjoy all the benefits of being by the water and in nature. Better still, if you have an inflatable board, such as the Red Paddle Co boards and equipment, you can take them exploring with you to hidden waterways which is another great way of reducing stress and making the most of your natural surroundings.

Kylianne Farrell – ecotherapist, counsellor, fitness industry educator and presenter, personal trainer, mental health first aid instructor, mental health advocate and a Red Paddle Co Expert.

Source:

1.www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6356561/

2.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5648169/

3. www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/a-20-minute-nature-break-relieves-stress