Beach Vacations and the Science Behind Them

By MC Kelby HERWriter

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Beach Vacations: There's Science Behind Them

Sergey Borisov/PhotoSpin

Hawaiians say that the Hawaiian Islands have healing powers. That is one of the main reasons that many mainlanders visit the Hawaiian Islands after a medical procedure or surgery to heal.

According to a new book, "Blue Mind" by Wallace J. Nichols the Hawaiians may be on to something. After 10 years of research, Nichols concludes that "looking at water, being around it or in it coaxes our brains into releasing happy chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin." Nichols believes we are biologically connected to water.

Think about it for a minute. Have you ever had a bad beach vacation? Have you ever heard a complaint from those who dive, scuba, snorkel and surf? Don’t they seem to be some of the happiest and laid back people on the planet?

In Australia, more than 80 percent of the population lives on the coast and almost everyone dreams of a beach house.

Floating in a pool, taking a Jacuzzi, shower, or even a hot bath are all relaxing activities related to water. The color blue is the world’s favorite color.

Looking at it from the science lens, here are some interesting facts about our bodies and water:

• Babies' bodies are 75 percent water.

• Adult bodies are made of 60 percent water.

• Our brains are more than three-fourths water.

• Our bones are more than 31 percent water.

• Fetuses have gill-slit structures.

Nichols’ book points out five interesting theories about water which include the following:

• The color blue is soothing.

• Water rejuvenates a tired mind.

• Water returns us to our natural state.

• Looking at pictures is good but viewing water is even better.

• We are more relaxed on the coast.

Journalist Nicola Joyce wrote a review on Nichols' book Blue Mind." Joyce claims that research indicates that 42 percent of men said their favorite color is blue, and more than 32 percent of women stated thatblue was their favorite color.

Joyce said, "We evolved on a planet that is primarily shades of water and sky blue and it makes sense that blue stimulates a positive emotional response." Joyce said that we are less fatigued and claustrophobic around the color blue.

As far as water rejuvenating a tired mind, Nichols cited a study where student dorm rooms overlooked trees and the lake. The study revealed that the students performed better on the cognitive tests, and indicated that nature rejuvenated tired minds.

If you are not convinced by Nichols theories, book yourself a vacation by the water and see if you don't become relaxed and rejuvenated.

Let us know your results.

Sources:

Cave, James. "5 Scientific Reasons A Beach Vacation Is Necessary For Your Health." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 23 Aug. 2014. Web. 08 Sept. 2014.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/23/wallace-nichols-water-book_n_5686271.html

Joyce, Nicola. "Book Review: 'Blue Mind,' on the Benefits of Being near Water, by Wallace J. Nichols." Washington Post. The Washington Post, n.d. Web. 08 Sept. 2014.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/book-review-blue-mind-on-the-benefits-of-being-near-water-by-wallace-j-nichols/2014/08/08/a504c932-02c7-11e4-8fd0-3a663dfa68ac_story.html

Reviewed September 9, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.