Well, here we are in a New Year and we have had some pretty cold weather so far….but it’s nice to go out for walks and then come home and cosy up.
Whilst 2020 was hard for many, during Confinement we did have the chance to actually focus a bit more on our general wellbeing, self-care was something we all embraced within our confinement restrictions! It really was a challenge to walk our favourite 4-5 km walk in an hour within a kilometre of our homes!
At least now since the second Confinement, we can have 3 hours of exercise and upto 20 kilometers radius of our home…that makes quite a difference! But still the Sea seems so far away…so does the idea of ever going back to the pool again – that I really do miss for many reasons!
I have realised how much I miss water, the sound of the waves when we visit the coast, the sound of splashing that only a swimming pool can give.
Our many walks took us by the river that runs through our town, the source of which is found about 3kms away and another place we enjoy going to. Just standing by the river for 10 minutes or even less – we both walk away feeling better somehow….just that time to study the flow, listen to the voice which can be loud or gentle it all heals!
I personally find the sound of water comforting, whilst it’s invigorating it is also calming. The last couple of weeks our walks have again led us to water Le Chaboussant is running high and fast, it’s so clear it is almost inviting me to take a paddle! Ok I was severely tempted to dip my hands in but the 1° temperature made it less than a good idea!
Of course I had to know why water makes us feel this way, I know I am not alone in this feeling of tranquility and calmness, even when I am swimming that splashing just seems to be part of me and my stroke! I think that’s why when we get the chance to really kick our legs and splash each other we are enjoying 2 factors – the release of endorphins from the laughing and the sound of the water splashing around us!
There has of course been studies taken and books written and this is what I have taken from my little bit of delving…..
How does something as simple as looking at water help us feel more relaxed?
Seeing or hearing the soothing sounds of moving water triggers a response in our brains that induces a flood of neurochemicals. These chemicals increase blood flow to the brain and heart, which induces relaxation. looking at or being near water can provide a wide range of health benefits.
These benefits include reducing stress and anxiety, increasing happiness, lowering our heart rate, and other things that extend beyond just feeling calmer.
Interestingly, there is a deep Psychological Link to our Ancestors;
A lot of our behaviors and reactions come from our DNA. This includes how our brains react to seeing water. this traces back to how our ancestors behaved thousands of years ago.
Our ancestors were often on the move and in need of finding water as a matter of life and death. For generations, they focused on finding new water sources. When they did so, it triggered a calming response in their brains, something we carry with us to this day.
Water Represents a Source of Life
Water is important for our survival. It covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, our bodies consist of almost 70% water, and water makes up more than 70% of two of our most vital organs (our brains and hearts). This is the reason why the sight or sound of water triggers the release of relaxing neurochemicals for most people. Logically, there is a deep biological connection between our brains and the sight of water due to our dependence on it as a source of life.
However, taking an actual dip in the water is also extremely beneficial to your wellbeing. Being submerged by natural water, like when you’re at the beach or a lake, can invigorate your body. The natural chillness of the water will give your body a naturally soothing treatment that calms you both mentally and physically by calming your nerves. Even warmer waters during summer can help relax your muscles and ease any tensions being held up in your body.
So there it is, I find it so fascinating that water can do so much for us, Mother Nature at her best as always 🙂
Here’s to many Water Moments, may those times bring inner calm and peace….it’s definitely worth taking the time to go and find that I feel!
And if you still are unsure if water does weave it’s magic for us – just use the link below.
The element of Water is associated with the signs Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, Watery descriptions are well suited to this element: fluid, flowing, wavering. These terms can easily apply to an individual’s emotions — the realm where Water most powerfully exerts its influence. Water signs are intuitive and sensitive, and they feel more intensely than the rest. They are emotional and nurturing, and like a river, they run deep. How things feel is what matters to these folks, and they base their actions on sense, rather than on logic or intellect. Water is also about compassion and understanding, since the receptive talents of these individuals are remarkably high. Water sign people can take in the feelings of others, process them, and put forth a plan or solution that will be conscientious to all. https://www.astrology.com/astrology-101/elements/water
Have a lovely weekend!
My second blog about the Four Elements will be – Wind / Air – how does it make us feel…..
