To reduce fatigue and anxiety, but also to feel younger, you should go near water points… Sea, lake, but also canals or simple fountains present in cities.
- All the French water bodies represent a total area of 623,000 hectares.
- France is covered by more than 25,000 bodies of water, some of which are large lakes.
At the seaside, it is not the simple fact of being on vacation that relaxes, it is also the proximity to the water. According to the analysis of neuroscientists reported by the Wall Street Journal, it has many psychological benefits such as reducing fatigue and anxiety. It would also help to feel younger! Several factors explain this phenomenon.
Less visual information
First of all, large bodies of water offer a feeling of admiration which helps to reduce stress. A feeling often reinforced by the positive impact of nature because there is often less visual and auditory information to process around the sea, a lake or a river than in the city. So our mind can rest.
The smell and the sound
On the other hand, and this is surprising, the smell of water can remind us of pleasant moments. But the most important thing is the dynamism of the water. She moves in rhythm, with a play of light, color and sound. Various senses are engaged and our attention is then captured, what researchers call the “soft fascination” that rests our brain.
But to benefit from all these positive aspects, you don’t necessarily need to go near the sea, a lake or a river. Urban water sources, such as canals or fountains, can also have positive effects on individuals. Indeed, just the sound of water, generally regular and soft, soothes us.
restorative power
“Water helps the mind wander in a positive wayexplains Marc Berman, director of the Environmental Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of Chicago. That’s what gives it that restorative power”.
But for that, you have to do it regularly. Ideally, we should spend two hours in contact with water points per week to feel a real improvement in our well-being, estimates Mathew White, environmental psychologist at the University of Vienna.
Water sports
To benefit from the virtues of water, it is also recommended to practice water sports, such as swimming or surfing. These would help in getting into a particular state as the participant is totally immersed in the activity and the water which calms the mind.
If you don’t live near the sea, don’t hesitate to swim in the pool to take care of your mind!