boating-related stories
Stress Less: Water, water everywhere
I've often been struck by the myriad stress relief techniques that involve water, from tabletop fountains to aerobics in the pool as well as warm baths or taking a spin on a boat.
But why does water work?
According to this newsletter on therapeutic techniques, the body has a relationship with water which is both primordial and present and there are many reasons why we might be drawn to water to feel better: we are made up largely of water and life is composed of water, providing all living things with a flow of nutrients as well as a channel of elimination. Perhaps this is why stress relief with water has moved beyond the warm bath into the realm of hydrotherapy.
According to this hydrotherapy source a warm bath (ranges from 35°C to 40°C) relaxes the body and soothes sore areas, increases blood circulation in skin, promotes cell renewal, and eliminates toxins through perspiration and lymphatic drainage. Water has a hydrostatic effect that stimulates touch receptors on skin and boosts blood circulation. Far beyond stress relief, the technique can be effective for treating rheumatic diseases and arthritis and improve fitness levels in dogs and horses.
Personally, nothing works quite like a dip in the ocean.
But why does water work?
According to this newsletter on therapeutic techniques, the body has a relationship with water which is both primordial and present and there are many reasons why we might be drawn to water to feel better: we are made up largely of water and life is composed of water, providing all living things with a flow of nutrients as well as a channel of elimination. Perhaps this is why stress relief with water has moved beyond the warm bath into the realm of hydrotherapy.
According to this hydrotherapy source a warm bath (ranges from 35°C to 40°C) relaxes the body and soothes sore areas, increases blood circulation in skin, promotes cell renewal, and eliminates toxins through perspiration and lymphatic drainage. Water has a hydrostatic effect that stimulates touch receptors on skin and boosts blood circulation. Far beyond stress relief, the technique can be effective for treating rheumatic diseases and arthritis and improve fitness levels in dogs and horses.
Personally, nothing works quite like a dip in the ocean.
Fit Factor: Summer calorie-blasting workouts
Well, it's almost that time of year and though there's a snowfall warning in my frozen neck of the woods, I'm not letting that deter from the fact that it is almost summer. Glorious, warm, beautiful summer. You know what that means? I can finally trade my in-gym elliptical training and treadmilling for some working out in the great outdoors. Not that I don't love the headache-inducing fluorescent-light glow of the gym, but the sun is just so much better. Even if it's not air-conditioned in the park, I'll take the outdoors any day.
