We swoon at the sight of a white sandy beach with turquoise water. Tension fades when we hear the gentle trickle of a peaceful stream. When we go on vacation, we tend to visit places that are near water, whether it’s a beach, lake, or waterfall. After a long walk along the beach or staring at a waterfall, we feel rejuvenated. Why are we so drawn to water? Perhaps because, intuitively, we know that water is great for us.
Water Health Benefits
We all know that we need to drink water to stay alive. However, drinking water can also lead to several life-enhancing health benefits. (1, 5)
Body Benefits
Drinking water any time we feel thirsty can help us feel and function better. Yoga teachers tell their students to drink plenty of water after a yoga practice. Doctors advise sick patients to drink plenty of fluids. Fitness gurus and weight loss coaches encourage clients to drink extra water. So, why are these experts giving the same advice? Drinking enough water helps our organs to function properly, prevents certain diseases, and allows joints to move more easily. What’s more, drinking water also affects our appearance. When we drink the right amount, our skin is hydrated and more supple. (1, 2, 5)
Mind Benefits
Amazingly, water has the power to improve our minds as well. Simply put, drinking enough water helps our brains to function better. When we are dehydrated, our brains slow and don’t function as well as when we are well hydrated. When we drink enough water, we are more likely to experience greater clarity of mind and sharper mental focus. Our moods become a bit more stable, and we feel more grounded. (3, 4)
The Perks Of Being Near Water
Incredibly, we benefit from water not only by drinking it but also by being near it! Many of us live in a fast-paced society that overstimulates our minds. We spend an inordinate amount of time staring at screens that bombard our brains with colors, words, and images. We stare at social media newsfeeds, and sometimes even feel inadequate because we compare our own lives to what our friends portray. Sadly, depression and suicide are on the rise in the United States. (6, 7, 8)
What does water have to do with this? Being near water can help ease many mental stressors, including depression and anxiety. Physical tension tends to melt away when we’re near water. And of course, when we become more physically relaxed, we feel less anxiety. In fact, when we sit or walk by the water, our heart rate lowers, our breathing rate slows, and we feel calmer. Moreover, people who sleep near water tend to sleep more soundly and peacefully. In essence, being near water helps us to relax and experience wellbeing. (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 )
Find Some Water And Change Your Mood
If you’re still not convinced, then spend some time near water today. Sit by a stream, river, or lake. Visit a waterfall or the beach. Go swimming in a pool. And if you don’t have access to any bodies of water, then simply find a video online of naturally-moving water. As you watch the water, listen to the sounds and take in the view – the crashing waves, the rushing river, or the gently-trickling stream. Sit with only the water for a few moments, followed by drinking a glass of water, and notice how you feel afterward.
