There’s something inherently calming about spending time near the water. Whether it’s a lake, river, waterfall, or even a creek, the magical stuff that we call H2O has some wonderful effects on the human mind and body. In fact, over the years we have learned some pretty fascinating information about the impact that water has on the human psyche.
Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist based out of Santa Cruz, CA., has coined the term “Blue Mind” to describe the relaxed, peaceful state that we find ourselves in when near a body of water. In an interview with The Washington Post, Nichols explains the connection between human happiness and water:
“When we step away from our high-stressed lives and step into nature, we get a shift. Physiologically, our brains and bodies change. We relax, and the quality of our thought changes. A different brain network activates. That brain network is available for a completely different kind of quality of thought which is much more introspective and self-referential. Oftentimes it leads to feelings of connectedness and that can lead to innovative thoughts.”
As Nichols and many others have shown, there’s some great scientific research to back up the notion that water can have a soothing effect on us, particularly while on vacation. The problem is, it’s hard for a lot of folks to carve out the time to plan a vacation to the beach, which in and of itself can cause headaches and stress. Purchasing a home on the ocean is an option, but for many, it’s not a realistic one.
So, how can you still enjoy a peaceful reprieve from life’s daily stresses on the water without having to get sand in your travel bags?
Many people prefer to forego the ocean for a place that has lakes, rivers or waterfalls. This way you get to relax near a body of water and won’t have to spend as much time, money and stress planning a beach vacation.
We may be biased, but Blue Ridge is a fantastic option for families, couples, and people of all ages who want to be on or near the water. When you add in the fresh mountain air, exciting outdoor adventure opportunities and the large selection of Blue Ridge cabin rentals available on the water, it’s a no-brainer.
There are all sorts of water-related activities to enjoy in Blue Ridge, from whitewater rafting and trout fishing to stand up paddle boarding and jet skiing on Lake Blue Ridge.
Want to check out some waterfalls while you’re here? We’ve got plenty of ‘em. Want to hang out and be lazy? Spend an afternoon tubing down the Toccoa River with a cooler full of your favorite beverages.
If you’re in a “Blue Mind” kind of mood, Blue Ridge is the perfect place to cool off this summer!