8 Hidden Health Benefits of Sailing: Charter a Course to Wellness
To begin truly living your best life, travel more and travel often because it is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer. And in the end, we only regret the trips we didn’t take. Plus, aside from the obvious escape from daily life, there are proven health benefits of sailing that make a yacht charter holiday especially worthy of your time away from home. Here are just a handful of ways that your mind, body, and soul will reap the rewards of being aboard your own private boat, in a top bucket list destination, in the company of those most cherished…
- Disconnect and Recharge
- Embrace Salt Therapy
- Get your “Sunshine Vitamins”
- Enhance Cognitive Function
- Burn Calories
- Strengthen Relationships with loved ones
- Boost your Immune System
- Promote Adventure and Exploration
1. Disconnect and Recharge
In today’s digitally-focused world, there’s something so undeniably satisfying about sending an “out of office” notification and taking a timeout from the demands of everyday life. And whilst a holiday certainly allows you to do such things, a yacht charter holiday takes the pleasure of “disconnecting” to new levels to the point where you won’t be the least bit worried about battery percentage and forgetting to bring your cell phone when hopping in the dinghy to go ashore is a likely possibility. Ultimately, the best way to fully “recharge”, both mentally and physically, is to completely “unplug.”
2. Embrace Salt Therapy
Seawater is rich in minerals that naturally nourish the skin and exposure to salt-kissed ocean air has a calming effect on the human body, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. A recent study examined the effects of “thalassotherapy” (therapy with seawater) on psychological well-being.
The researchers found that participants who received thalassotherapy showed significant improvements in mood, vitality, and general health compared to the control group. Breathing in the ocean air, which contains tiny particles of seawater, has been shown to have beneficial effects on respiratory health and can help reduce symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma. Basically, saltwater and ocean air are Mother Nature’s organic mood boosters.
3. Get your “Sunshine Vitamins”
Obviously, too much sun is not recommended due to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, but soaking up some sunshine whilst on holiday is actually good for you. Sunlight exposure also plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining bone health, regulating immune function, and supporting overall well-being.
In addition to increased production of vitamin D, sunlight exposure also triggers better moods and a boost in energy. Healthy amounts of sun absorption can even fight depression and lead to improved sleep. Research has found that higher levels of sunlight exposure were associated with lower rates of depressive symptoms. The researchers concluded that sunlight exposure had a positive impact on mood and mental well-being.
4. Enhance Cognitive Function
Sailing combines many involved tasks such as navigation, decision-making, and adapting to changing conditions – every day is a new day. Engaging in mentally challenging activities like sailing can improve cognitive function and mental agility.
In fact, a recently published study demonstrated that participating in sailing activities led to improvements in attention, memory, and executive functioning. The constant mental stimulation and problem-solving required while sailing can contribute to maintaining and enhancing cognitive abilities.
5. Burn Calories
Exercising is a major part of an overall healthy lifestyle but nobody really wants to work out whilst on holiday, and you certainly shouldn’t feel guilty about that.
Fortunately sailing is an active and engaging recreational activity that can contribute to physical fitness. The physical demands of sailing, such as manoeuvring the boat, trimming sails, and balancing, engage various muscle groups and promote overall strength and endurance. Not only that but a yacht charter getaway gives you easy access to a number of fun physical activities that don’t feel like exercise, such as snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, onboard yoga, and scenic hiking onshore.
6. Strengthen Relationships with loved ones
Whether you’re on a romantic getaway for two or in the company of friends and family, a holiday provides the perfect opportunity for building stronger interpersonal relationships with those that matter most. This is your chance to talk, listen, share, bond, and most importantly—make new unforgettable memories together. You may even establish a new tradition that everyone can look forward to year after year.
7. Boost your Immune System
Seawater contains a variety of minerals and trace elements, such as magnesium, potassium, and iodine, that can help boost your immune system. In addition, exposure to sunlight and fresh air can also help improve immune function. Researchers have found that spending time in natural environments, such as the ocean, can have a positive effect on immune function and overall health.
8. Promote Adventure and Exploration
Sailing opens up a world of adventure and exploration, allowing you to discover new places, cultures, and perspectives. Engaging in novel experiences and expanding your horizons can stimulate the brain and contribute to personal growth and a sense of fulfilment. Sailing also requires a range of technical and practical skills, such as navigation, boat handling, and seamanship, that can be learned and developed over time. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology highlighted the positive effects of engaging in new and adventurous experiences.
Once you experience the joys of a yacht charter holiday for yourself, you’ll quickly realize that there are countless benefits, most of which you can’t even explain because it’s just a feeling—a feeling of pure bliss and ultimate freedom that you never even knew existed. And if you don’t know about this feeling, what are you waiting for?
Step aboard and let The Moorings remind you how to live in the moment, one nautical mile at a time.
Contributor
Esme Berrington
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