April is National Stress Awareness Month — of course, if you’re a frequent boater, you might just find that you’re less and less aware of stress the further out you cruise! As it turns out, it’s not just you. In fact, there are plenty of scientific reasons why cruising or floating out on the water is, quite literally, your “happy place.” In honor of National Stress Awareness Month, just read on and learn more about how Monterey makes life less stressful (with benefits that last well after you disembark for the day). Take a look.

Blue Views & The Power Of H2O

We’ve likely all felt some kind of physical and mental difference when hitting the water — maybe it’s the abundance of fresh air or the easygoing come-and-go of the waves. It’s not just a feeling, though! According to Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist, being on the water activates your inner “blue mind,” which he described via Discover Boating as a “mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense of general happiness associated with the water.” In other words, as the buildings and people on land fade into smaller and smaller specks on the shoreline — and you cruise further out — it’s easy to shrug off life’s problems and concerns (aka “red mind”) and embrace the spirit of the H2O. Even seeing the water increases serotonin and decreases cortisol, helping you lean into the physical relief of a less-stressed body.

Looking for a reason to move by the water? One study from Health and Place found that people who lived within one mile of the ocean had significantly improved mental health. While this isn’t necessarily caused by the access to water, it’s certainly an appealing connection for those who have been pondering a beachfront dream home!

Feel-Good Family Time

If you’re lucky enough to be out on the water, you may likely be bringing some friends or family along for the ride! Social connection and family time have been shown to decrease stress levels, and life on the water provides ample opportunities to foster existing connections or develop new ones — whether you’re cruising with family or “coastal distancing” with friends at the local marina.

According to Nichols, time on the water also helps us rest our brains, meditate, and even embrace our inner child with play and creativity — making it a great place to unwind as a family. The blue backdrop is enough to get the relaxation going, of course, but your Monterey adds the finishing touches with the help of some seriously stress-relieving features — including spacious, luxurious seating options the whole family can enjoy between wakesurf sessions.

Speaking of which…

Active Fun That Doubles As Stress-Beating Exercise

And of course, we can’t forget about the stress-beating benefits of physical activity! Whether you’re putting up a fight with a strong fish, or wakeboarding behind your gorgeous Monterey boat, Harvard Health says that these aerobic exercises help promote the production of endorphins. These brain chemicals work as “natural painkillers and mood elevators,” helping us feel better simply by working out in a fun, active way. (This is actually the same science that is responsible for the “runner’s high” back on land.)

Stress-Less Destinations

With your Monterey boat, you can also access some of the world’s most stress-free locales! Many of them, unsurprisingly, are coastal spots — ranging from colorful Copenhagen to beautiful Barcelona, and many more, according to Forbes. Stateside, several Great Lakes-area cities like Madison and Ann Arbor are also known for their less-stressed populace. With access to so many beautiful boating destinations, we certainly understand the appeal!

Stress is part of life — but with the help of beautiful blue views, some quality company, and your very own Monterey, it’s easier to keep at bay. Here’s to even more relaxing adventures ahead!