The Not-So-Great Indoors: Nurtured By Nature
In an ironic twist of modern life, the “great outdoors” has become increasingly foreign to many of us. It seems we are undergoing another great migration, but this one is people moving indoors. We now spend a staggering 90% of our time indoors, with nearly 11 hours a day dedicated to screen time. Expand that time to a year, and we are spending 4 months (24 hours a day) of our life every year glued to a screen. For someone who is 18 and continues this habit, by the time they are 80 they would have spent 29 years of their life glued to a screen. And we wonder where the time goes! This drastic shift away from nature has not come without consequences.
Some experts are calling this trend “The Next Great Migration”, a term reflecting the mass movement from active, outdoor lifestyles to more sedentary, indoor ones. The original “Great Migration” referred to the movement of populations from rural to urban areas, and now we are witnessing an even more isolating shift, away from nature and outdoor activities to spending vast amounts of time in front of screens.
Science is telling something many of us are experiencing, or know people who are, that prolonged indoor living is making us less healthy. It’s linked to a host of health issues, including vitamin D deficiency, obesity, elevated stress and anxiety levels, and a decline in cardiovascular health. The lack of natural light and fresh air disrupts our circadian rhythms which leads to sleep disorders and mood imbalances. The constant exposure to artificial environments and digital stimuli is also associated with higher stress levels, anxiety, and decreased cognitive function. The EPA reports that air quality in homes and artificial environments is oftentimes more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities.
Children, in particular, are facing what health experts call “nature deficit disorder,” with reduced outdoor play time correlating to increases in attention disorders and decreased creativity. As we cocoon ourselves in climate-controlled buildings and virtual realities, we’re inadvertently distancing ourselves from the very environments that have shaped our evolution and well-being for millennia, creating a “not-so-great outdoors” scenario that poses significant challenges to our physical and mental health.
We all know intuitively or instinctively that when we go outdoors and mindfully interact with it, we feel an immediate change in our physiological and emotional states. Science is validating something we have known in our bodies and psyches for a very long time – immersing ourselves in nature enhances our mental health and cognitive abilities.
Outdoor Health Theories
Psychological research has focused intently these days on shedding light on how the outdoors contribute to our health. While much of this research has focused on green spaces like parks and forests, there’s growing recognition of the unique benefits of blue spaces—environments centered around water, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. Sailing and boating, in particular, offers a profound way to connect with these blue spaces, providing very unique and specific physical and psychological nourishment.
This is experience with bodies of water is termed “blue mind”, a concept introduced by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols that explores the profound benefits of water on our mental and emotional health. This theory posits that being near, in, on, or under water can induce a meditative state, characterized by feelings of calm, peace, unity, and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment.
Biophilia theory, popularized by biologist Edward O. Wilson in the 1980s, suggests that humans have an inherent affinity for nature and living systems. This concept posits that our evolutionary history, deeply intertwined with the natural world, has fostered a psychological, emotional, and cognitive bond with nature. According to Wilson, this connection manifests in our preference for natural landscapes, our fascination with wildlife, and the calming effect that natural environments have on our mental well-being.
Moreover, the cognitive restoration theory suggests that natural settings help replenish our mental resources, restoring our ability to concentrate and pay attention. Sailing, by requiring focus and present-moment awareness, serves as an effective means of cognitive rejuvenation.
Sailing Into The Blue Mind
Engaging in sailing can act as a soothing remedy for our overburdened minds. Studies show that interacting with nature can lead to cognitive enhancements, such as improved working memory, greater cognitive flexibility, and better attentional control. For instance, research from the University of Chicago highlights that exposure to natural environments, including blue spaces, significantly boosts our cognitive functions compared to urban environments.
Dr. Lisa Nisbet, a psychologist at Trent University, explains that the connection to nature, whether through a serene walk in a park or a sailing trip on the ocean, can elevate our mood and contribute to a lasting sense of happiness. This connection seems to be deeply rooted in our evolutionary history, as suggested by the biophilia hypothesis, which proposes an innate human affinity for nature.
Nature Connections With Sailing
Sailing uniquely combines the elements of water, wind, and open skies, creating a holistic natural experience that nurtures both body and mind. The rhythmic motion of the boat, the sound of waves lapping against the hull, and the sight of endless horizons can induce a meditative state, reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being. This tranquil engagement with nature’s blue spaces aligns with the stress reduction hypothesis, which posits that natural environments trigger physiological responses that lower stress levels.
Happiness and Social Connections
Beyond cognitive benefits, time spent sailing can significantly impact emotional well-being. Research by Dr. Gregory Bratman and colleagues indicates that contact with nature increases
happiness, social interactions, and a sense of purpose in life. Sailing trips often involve group activities, fostering social bonds and cooperation, which further enhances the emotional benefits.
In experiments, participants exposed to natural sounds, such as waves crashing, performed better on cognitive tests than those exposed to urban sounds. This finding underscores the recuperative power of nature’s auditory elements, which are abundant in sailing environments.
Water Remedies
So, how much time on the water is enough to reap these benefits? Studies suggest that spending at least two hours in nature per week is associated with significant health and well-being improvements. This time can be spent in a single session or spread across multiple outings, making sailing an ideal activity for those seeking to incorporate nature into their routine.
Even for those unable to sail frequently, maintaining a sense of connection to nature can be beneficial. Researchers have found that people who feel connected to the natural world report higher levels of happiness and well-being, regardless of the amount of time they spend outdoors.
Sailing offers a unique and powerful way to connect with nature, harnessing the therapeutic benefits of blue spaces. By spending time on the water, we can nurture our cognitive functions, reduce stress, and enhance our overall well-being. Embracing the practice of sailing not only nurtures us by nature but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world, encouraging us to protect and cherish these vital environments.
Enjoy our beautiful San Francisco Bay and get your blue mind on by booking a Skippered Yacht Charter, joining our boating club, or taking boating lessons.
