5 water-based activities to relax your mind
What's the story
Water-based activities provide an interesting means of elevating tranquility in our daily lives.
Whether through an active or passive engagement with water, you can greatly alleviate stress and improve your mental health.
They're easily accessible and can be seamlessly integrated into your schedule without needing too much time or effort.
Here are five water-based activities that'll help you achieve peace and calmness every day.
#1
Swimming for stress relief
Swimming is a great full body workout and it doubles up as a stress buster too.
The rhythmic movement of swimming calms the mind while the buoyancy of water takes a toll off the body.
Regular swimming sessions can improve cardiovascular health, increase stamina, and lift the mood by releasing endorphins.
Be it in a pool or natural body of water, swimming offers physical benefits and mental peace.
#2
Kayaking for mindfulness
Kayaking not only gives you an opportunity to connect with nature but is also a great low-impact exercise.
Paddling through calm waters brings out the mindfulness in you as you pay attention to the rhythm of your strokes and surroundings.
It builds your upper body strength and improves coordination while you enjoy the serene landscapes around you.
Kayaking is ideal for solitude seekers as well as group outings.
#3
Yoga by the water's edge
Practicing yoga near water has calming effects, as deep breathing exercises combined with the soothing sounds of waves or flowing streams can be quite calming.
The tranquil setting also helps you concentrate on your meditation or yoga poses, leading to a deeper sense of relaxation.
It not only increases your flexibility but also helps you manage anxiety levels effectively, if done regularly at lakesides/beaches.
#4
Stand-up paddleboarding for balance
While stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) challenges your balance skills, it also provides a fun way to explore waterways at your own pace.
Since balancing on a board works your core muscles, it positively contributes towards your fitness levels over time; even as paddling gives you gentle resistance training too!
SUP lets you access beautiful views from unique angles, making it an ideal pick for adventure and tranquility seekers simultaneously!
#5
Floating meditation sessions
Floating meditation involves lying back onto the surface of still waters, like pools or ponds, and letting yourself drift peacefully without any effort whatsoever.
This simple yet effective technique promotes deep relaxation and reduces tension across the whole body and mind alike, all thanks to the buoyant properties involved here - perfect for unwinding after a long day of work or school commitments alike.