The Top 5 Reasons to Live on The Water

When we think about vacation hot spots, laying on a beach and listening to the sound of the waves, watching them collapse into the sandbar is high up on the list.

The serene ocean is more than a vacation spot, it can be a place to call home. Waking up to see a stunning view outside your window; having a romantic dinner under the sunset; are just a few of the reasons people gravitate towards the water. The ocean isn’t the only body of water you can choose to live near; lakefront homes are also a popular choice for homeowners. When considering all the added benefits and attractions living near the water can bring, it is essential to look at the top 5 reasons you should be living on the water.

Physical Activity

Exercise of any form is vital to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but it is easy to come up with reasons as to why getting outdoors won’t happen today. Being surrounded by a body of water usually means there are beaches in close proximity. Waking up to the sound of waves collapsing is a great motivator to go for a run on the beach. Running doesn’t have to be the only option; going for a walk near the water in the early hours can be healthy but also bring you a sense of calmness. More benefits of physical activity include:

• Improved heart health
• Reduces cholesterol levels
• Lowers blood pressure

More Time Spent Outdoors

Vitamin D is essential for us to stay healthy and can have many added benefits. It helps maintain healthy bones and teeth, as well as assist in the protection of certain diseases like Type 1 Diabetes. Other benefits of being exposed to vitamin D are as follows:

Supporting the immune system, as well as the brain and nervous system
Supports healthy lung function
Can influence the expression of genes involved in cancer development
Added protector from influenza viruses

There are a plethora of activities for people to partake in while living in a waterfront home, which can bring people to the outdoors. Being outside can increase our Vitamin D intake because when we are exposed to sunlight our bodies create Vitamin D. As mentioned above, vitamin D is essential for us to maintain good health.

When you spend time outside, you are doing good to the body and mind, in more ways than one. When surrounded by nature, your body lowers its stress hormone, called cortisol and adrenaline; this is because of the calming effect of the outdoors. There is an abundance of benefits of spending time outdoors, so grab your beach towel and favorite book and spend the afternoon by the water listening to the waves, wind and other tranquil sounds nature has to offer.

Not all waterfront homes will be in a sunny all-year-round location; if this sounds like you, it is easy for us to still take advantage of the outdoors during the summer months. When the cooler weather is upon us, you can supplement with a Vitamin D drop or take in a pill form daily for your body to absorb.

Stress Reliever

The sound of the ocean tides or waves made the lake, even the breath of fresh air can instantly remove the everyday stressors caused by life. There’s a thing called the blue mind, which is us being in a meditated like state of mind. This happens when we are in close proximity to the water because of the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine.

If you have had a long day at work, having a waterfront home can allow you to have dinner under the sunset while sipping on a tasty adult beverage, or take a swim before an important business meeting.

Having your body immersed in water loosens up both body and mind. Another benefit of immersing oneself in water is to boost your blood flow to the brain which in turn increases the supply of oxygen, glucose and nutrients which is needed to maintain brain health.

Added Health Benefits

In addition to lowering stress levels, living in close proximity to the water can add a wealth of other benefits to your health. Some of these benefits include:

• Longer life span:

This is because people tend to spend more time outdoors and partake in activities that are considered exercise, even if it's just a small daily walk.

• You are happier while near the water:

Because of the “blue mind” way of living, people experience a happier way of living. When you look at water, your brain expels dopamine, otherwise known as happiness.

• Increased white blood cell count:

Forestry that is near a body of water will give up a chemical known as phytoncides. When we breathe in this chemical, our body produces more white blood cells. White blood cells are responsible for fighting off bacterial and viral infections.

• Fresh air:

When the air is exposed to water, especially seawater, the air is charged with negative ions which allows our bodies to absorb more oxygen. Fresh air is also known to increase serotonin which helps balance our mood and stress levels.

• Better Sleep:

If you have ever needed a white noise machine, or music playing in the background to fall asleep, you will love going to bed by the water. The sounds of waves or the trees blowing will help ease the mind and allow for a better night’s sleep.

Attractions

Whether you are in an ocean state like Florida, a small town in North Carolina or have a lakefront home in South Dakota, you will find yourself surrounded by attractions. You can find boardwalks with an abundance of carnival-like games and rides. You will find yourself surrounded by great food and drinks, and of course beaches.

Fresh seafood dinners by the shore, or ice cream desserts on the boardwalk, you will always have something to do. Of course, some can argue these tourist cities become packed during peak season. This is true, you will sometimes find yourself surrounded by people every time you head down the boardwalk or walk into your favorite restaurant. Being surrounded by others can also have its perks; this is a chance to meet new people from all across the country. When the tourist season is behind us, you can enjoy the peace and quiet in your community you know and love.

Deciding to make your favorite vacation spot a home can be exciting. You are surrounded by the peace and tranquility nature has to offer and are providing yourself with a plethora of health benefits. No matter which of the top 5 reasons appeals the most to you, it will be easy to take advantage of all the above reasons.

Enjoy your new home with the stunning view and endless opportunities for relaxation and excitement!