Relaxing looks different for everyone – for some people, it might be curling up with your favorite book or catching up on your favorite podcast. For others, it may look like getting a massage, or spending time in nature. One of the most common forms of relaxation is spending time by the water, whether it’s the ocean, a lake, or even just by the pool!

Have you ever wondered where your attraction to water comes from?

Scientifically speaking, we are all attracted to water, which provides a calming and relaxing atmosphere that provides a ton of benefits. So, if you are looking for an excuse to spend more time by the waves this summer, or take more time to go boating, look no further!

We have pulled together some of the top reasons that you should spend your summer by the water. Check them out here:

More Time on the Water This Summer

1 – You will be able to relax and de-stress.

First off, spending time by the water will help you to relax, calm your mind, and de-stress. If you haven’t heard of the parasympathetic nervous system, it is responsible for helping your body to relax after you have been through stressful times. These stressful times can range from anything big and overwhelming in your life to even a stressful day at school or work. Water in general can help to trigger our parasympathetic nervous system, which ultimately will slow down your heart rate and put you in a more relaxed state. And from a more surface level perspective, a body of water of any kind is beautiful to look at and can automatically just put you in a good mood!

 

2 – Water is healing.

Similar to de-stressing, water is also extremely healing, both physically and mentally. Being on it, especially the ocean, can not only mentally help you to heal and relax your mind and emotions, but it can also help to reduce inflammation, protect your skin, as well as heal any sores or cuts that you have on your body.

 

3 – You’ll become more social.

Being out on the waves, especially if you are boating, is a great opportunity for you to be social and engage with family, friends, and even meet new people! In the boating community, one of the most fun parts is tying up the boats together in a harbor and essentially having your very own floating block party! These “block parties” include everything from music, food, great beverages, rafts, and so much more. Being on a boat in a social environment during the summer is one of the best ways to make summer memories that will last a lifetime.

 

4 – You may spark some creativity.

Did you know that being on the water can also help to spark up some creativity? Whether you are looking to come up with some new ideas from a business or more artistic perspective, being by the water can offer you the mental refresh that you need to come up with that great idea you have been striving for. The reason for this is that the more relaxed your brain is, the easier it will be to be able to brainstorm exactly what it is that you are looking for.

 

5 – It will help to enhance physical activity.

Of course, being on the water also offers a great way for you to get some physical activity and exercise in, which will also help to put you in a great mood! There are tons of ways that you can get physical activity on the water, whether it is swimming, tubing, wake-surfing or boarding, or even simply treading water! Plus, you will be having so much fun that you will not even realize the exercise you are getting!