Water: More Than Just Something To Drink
Nova Health Club • April 18, 2019
You’ve heard over and over how important it is to stay hydrated and to drink at least eight glasses of water each day. But did you know that water has other positive effects on your health and wellbeing outside of drinking it? The last time you were at the beach, did you notice how you felt being by the water? Did you feel more content, calm and relaxed? This is because being in or near water helps you achieve what is recently being called a ‘Blue Mind’; a state of mental health associated with being happier, healthier and more connected to ourselves and the world. This is the opposite of the mental state most of us are finding ourselves in these days, one of being rushed, over stimulated and distracted in the modern world.
While traveling back to Nova Scotia in October 2017 I drove with my brothers to the ocean for a day hike. While driving I was feeling anxious about a variety of things and not able to feel excited about the day ahead as I should have been. Maybe it was the windy roads but anxiousness turned into a mild headache by the time we got to the ocean. We began hiking the path and I noticed how an underlying tension still existed in me. I was frustrated because I was not able to relax into a day that really should have had no stress at all.
About halfway into our hike, we came upon a sandy beach where I was able to walk up to and touch the water. I was surprised to feel how warm it was for that time of the year. Amazed by the warmer than usual North Atlantic ocean, I decided to take my clothes off and go in. With the sand under my feet, I ran in, out, back in, and dove and jumped in the waves for about five minutes. After I started hiking again I noticed I was not feeling anxious or tense anymore. In fact, I had total mental clarity and the only word that describes how I felt was Amazing!
I’ve always enjoyed being by the water but never before had I felt the therapeutic effects of water like this. I can not fully explain why water made me feel this way but I believe it is something primal within our DNA like how we feel watching a fire. Since that ocean swim I have noticed how water continues to make me feel great and I make it a point to walk to the lake, visit a river or jump in the ocean as often as I can.
Research outlined in the book Blue Mind, by Marine Biologist, Wallace J. Nichols Ph.D. shows how being near or in water can benefit our mind and body by neutralizing us from an often over-stimulating modern society. The therapeutic effects of water are felt when we achieve a Blue Mind, a state that will lower stress, anxiety, heart rate, slow down breathing and increase a sense of well-being, happiness, and creativity. Achieving a Blue Mind does not necessarily require a river, lake or ocean. It can be done at home with something as simple as a shower or bath, which we can all attest to the benefits of.
Next time you are near water take a moment to check in with how you feel before and after. You will be sure to notice the positive results after being close to water. Or if you are like me then you may even want to jump in for the full effect.
Since joining Nova, Nicole has put in real effort and brought a lot of positive energy to our community. At 55, stepping into weightlifting to keep up with her kids was a brand-new challenge, and she’s tackled it head-on.
Tanya’s journey is a wonderful reminder that fitness isn’t about chasing quick results, it's about building a life you genuinely enjoy.
Think your peak fitness years are behind you once you hit your 50s? Think again.
Meet Kris, a Nova member who recently compared his current fitness stats
A consistent member for years, Rosalind shows up twice a week and makes her health a priority next to work and family.
Matt proves that when you add commitment to a structured plan, success is inevitable.
Joy joined Nova with the goal to rebuild strength and push herself physically again. Over the past few months, she has proved her commitment to this goal despite a very demanding schedule.
See how Joe transformed his body, mindset and consistency to take his results the next level!
In this interview, Beth shares how she stayed motivated, how her mindset and nutrition changes contributed to her results, and how she plans to keep the momentum going into 2026.
Over the past year Dino has trained consistently, built mobility and strength across every major lift, and hit daily activity goals like 7-8k steps - even while navigating the difficult loss of his wife this past year.
