Have you noticed that simply being by the water induces a sense of calm and well-being over you? Is this all placebo or is there actually some science going on here? People say living next to a lake, river, sea or ocean actually improves their happiness – and according to Dr. W. Christopher Winter, author of The Sleep Solution, living by water can increase creativity and help you sleep more soundly which is intriguing – but not enough evidence to pick up everything and move towards the water!
However, biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols actually decided to explore this phenomena even further, and wrote a book called Blue Mind discussing the effects a body of water can have on a person’s overall mental health. In his studies, Nichols states water actually “lowers stress and anxiety, increasing an overall sense of well-being and happiness, a lower heart and breathing rate, and safe, better workouts. Aquatic therapists are increasingly looking to the water to help treat and manage PTSD, addiction, anxiety disorders, autism and more.” And if the research leading Nichols to this conclusion isn’t convincing enough, Hawaii is ranked the #1 happiest and healthiest state in America according to the annual Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. Coincidence? I think not!
So, this calming aura, or the “water effect”, does seem to be real, but does it sound like it could help you? Well it certainly sounds like the perfect cure for the chaos of today – with people constantly driven towards technology, working more hours, working more hours from home, and forgoing that vacation you planned 6 months ago… I mean no wonder we’re feeling a bit more stressed and anxious! So maybe it’s time to change your mentality, bring the water to you, and have that new vacation-like lifestyle you’ve been day dreaming about for years!
What are some of the lifestyle changes that specifically come with living near water?
- Walk or bike along the lake whenever you want for safer, more beautiful trips, with better places to stop along the way – especially in Seattle which offers a plethora of walking/biking paths stretching for miles. What better way to spend an afternoon and get some exercise?
- Sailing, boating and other water sports are now at your fingertips. If walking and biking aren’t enough to keep us entertained well now you have the opportunity for boating, surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and more. Even if you don’t your own boat many shops along the lake offer paddle boats or canoe rentals for a small fee! Plus, if you buy a home now, you get a $2,000 credit to Urban Surf (electric surfboard anyone?).
- If nothing else, you can’t beat the natural beauty. This may be dipping back into the mental health benefits, but water truly is one of the most beautiful natural features on earth bringing along with it aquatic plants, birds, fish and water dwelling mammals, which for nature lovers, is quite a picturesque scene. Can you imagine working a few hours on your rooftop deck with your laptop out and this as your backdrop? Feel more relaxed just thinking about it? Well stop thinking about it and do something!
Still have some reservations about living one the water? Let me guess… is it the price? Well that’s why living by the water is key – you get basically all the added benefits, without all the extra upkeep, and for a much better price!
Take for example our Baymont project with Isola Homes. These beauties are located just off the shores of lake Washington with great access to all the lake amenities including the giant Montlake Community Center (which is great for land activities but is also a favorite launch point for kayakers and paddle boarders). Plus are aren’t multi-million-dollar homes like all other water-front properties in Seattle! Even better – they are brand new!
Want to tour these homes or are looking for something similar? Contact us now!