Why Dayboating Is the Perfect Quick Escape for Your Health

By: Ian Kim

In our fast-paced technological world people are stuck to their devices more than ever, rarely ever recharging in nature. That makes finding peace sometimes feel like a luxury. From the overstimulation of emails, notifications, and social media, finding time and space to unwind has become increasingly common. What if you could de-stimulate from social media and reconnect with yourself, even if just for a few hours? That is exactly what dayboating offers. But dayboating is not just limited to de-stimulation, it brings a whole new world of benefits... if you're willing to look for them. Here's how:

Natural Digital Detox

"Digital detoxing" is a period where you reduce or eliminate the use of devices like phones, computers, and social media for a set period to reset dopamine levels. Devices and social media constantly trigger the release of dopamine, a chemical in the brain associated with pleasure and reward. Boating naturally encourages digital detoxing because it creates a natural barrier between the constant connectivity from your phone -- thanks to having limited signal and WiFi while underway (hopefully, at least). Boating also requires your full attention while navigating and traveling along the water, which naturally pulls you away from your digital devices.

Immersion in Nature

While many activities require your full attention, one you should never overlook the nature around you, even while boating. Spending time in nature naturally lowers cortisol levels, which is the body’s main stress hormone. Being in nature also triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which is often called the "rest and digest" system. The parasympathetic nervous system is a part of your autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing. It works to counterbalance the body’s stress response. Additionally, spending time in nature and outdoors increases serotonin and endorphin levels, which are the brain’s “feel good” chemicals, lifting your overall mood. Another interesting benefit to your health comes from the fact most nature is green. Green is closely linked to growth, balance, and freshness, making it a great natural source of calmness for the mind and body.

Nature also encourages light physical activity and movement like walking through a forest trail, hiking, swimming in a calming lake, or boating on peaceful waters. Physical activity provides many benefits for both the mind and the body, such as boosting energy levels, maintaining your overall health and well-being, and helping combat any health conditions.

Blue light therapy is another therapeutic activity you should never overlook while boating. While in or near bodies of water, there are therapeutic benefits that lower your stress levels and improve your overall well-being. The colour blue, which is closely tied to traits like calmness, clarity, and peace of mind, is experienced through the oceans, lakes, and rivers while boating.

Sunlight and Fresh Air

Spending time outdoors exposes you to both sunlight and fresh air, both of which boost serotonin levels. Being in sunlight is the natural source of vitamin D for most people. Vitamin D helps the immune system, cell growth, and plays a role in mood regulation, helping prevent symptoms of depression and seasonal affective disorder. Additionally, natural light helps with your circadian rhythm, which is your body’s internal clock that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Exposure to natural light helps signal to your body that it is daytime and it is time to be alert and active.

Social Connections

Being outdoors also encourages meaningful social interactions. Thanks to your devices having no signal, or being put away, you are encouraged to engage in real conversation between family members and friends, which in turn create positive memories and stronger bonds. The boundary does not need to be limited to your friends and family, either, it can extend to strangers as well. Boating and other outdoor activities create and encourage social interactions between strangers. Whether it be a friendly wave, helping someone dock their boat, or exchanging tips and stories about their favourite routes and destinations.

Personally, I experienced the stranger phenomenon during a trip to Vancouver where I climbed the Grouse Grind Trail. During my hike, there were many people I passed and who passed me, and some people offered a simple head nod or a smile, whereas others shared words of encouragement and even struck up a conversation with me. These small but meaningful exchanges created a quiet sense of community and connection, and are a constant reminder that the outdoors brings people together.

Routine Break

Being in nature offers a refreshing break from the pressures of daily life. Whether boating or in nature, you are stepping out of your usual daily, weekly, or monthly routine, which can help refresh your mind and soul and help re-spark creativity. Exploring a completely new environment takes you on a completely new adventure, and replacing your to-do list with experiences and memories you will never forget. Untie your lines and get out there. #tips #basics