Did you know that living near the water has health benefits?

Doctors and researchers are finding an increased list of reasons that living near water is a good idea for the mind and the body. 

Hmmm maybe there is more behind that deep breath you take when nature is in the air, or the feeling of weighing just a little bit less when walking along the beach with sea air blowing through your hair. 

Learn seven health benefits in living your best life near the water! 

1. YOU BREATHE FRESH AIR.

Air exposed to water – and especially sea water – is charged with a good amount of negative ions, this fresh air helps your body absorb oxygen. Fresh air is known to improve alertness and balance levels of serotonin, attributed to mood and stress. There is a reason we crave fresh air when we are experiencing something difficult. Fresh air is a healthy choice for the mind, body and soul.  Breath deep my friends!

2. YOU STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM.

Increased relaxation and decreased stress means a strengthened immune system. A strengthened immune system better positions us to fight off illnesses, diseases and unwanted health obstacles. Living near the water can achieve all of these objectives and more. And the best part? Once you live near water, it’s something you don’t even need to think about in order to benefit from it.

3. YOU SLEEP BETTER.

Exposure to water is known to relax the mind and body unlike anything else. Consider how many people enjoy going to sleep at night to white noise or a sound machine. It’s difficult to dispute that the sound of water is helpful for a good night’s rest. In many ways, seeing or living near water helps clear the mind of unwanted distractions or unpleasant thoughts. All of this allows the mind and body to relax into greater, deeper sleep. And the benefits of better sleep include greater rest and better rejuvenation each morning. Just being exposed to water on a regular basis improves health!

4. YOU INCREASE YOUR WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT.

Plants and trees, especially those near water, are known to give off chemicals called phytoncides. When humans breathe this in, it results in an elevated white blood cell count, which is great for fighting off illnesses or infections. Being outside and being around water is a natural immune booster.

5. YOU EXPERIENCE GREATER HAPPINESS.

The term “Blue Mind” refers to the meditative state the brain enters when we are exposed to water. Scientists have determined that looking at/enjoying water floods the brain with dopamine, or feel good hormones, naturally. Meaning people exposed to water are often more relaxed and happier in general.

6. YOU RELAX.

Water can be very therapeutic. Engaging in simple activities such as fishing or walking can help reduce stress and fight off the negative effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after a hard situation. Especially if you battle anxiety or depression, water can be very helpful in overcoming the difficult side effects associated.

7. YOU LENGTHEN YOUR LIFE.

That’s right! Living by the water and enjoying the great outdoors can actually add healthy days to your life. Getting even a moderate amount of leisure time and light physical activity (including walking along the beach front or picking up shells) can increase life expectancy, according to the National Cancer Institute. What’s not to love about that?

READY TO MOVE TO SOUTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND and enjoy one of our many seaside communities?  Whether its BC's capital city of Victoria or the quaint seaside town of Sooke you can enjoy a life that once again connects you to nature and reap the health benefits that comes with it. 

Our team specializes in relocations from accross Canada and around the world so make us your first contact should you be looking to move to Vancouver Island.   

Cheers,

JEFF.