BEAUTY BY THE BECK
For me, a walk along a river is medicine. Spending time on a riverbank makes me feel relaxed and refreshed.
As well as the calming sounds of a babbling brook, a waterfall has a natural soothing melody. In his book Blue Mind, marine biologist Wallace J Nichols describes his five-year study of the effects of being near water and why it can help lift your mood. He concluded that being in, on, under or even near water can make you happier and healthier.
RIVERS AS MEDICINE
The term ‘blue mind’ describes the mildly meditative state that rivers and seas can have on us. Research shows that spending time beside water will not only lower stress levels, but help boost the immune system, too. It’s thought being near water induces the release of the hormone dopamine, allowing your mind to rest. Dopamine controls many functions, including emotion and is often referred to as the ‘feel-good’ hormone.
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