News & Resources
Being on the Water
Your Prescription to Improving Physical and Mental Well-Being
Psychological research is advancing our understanding of how time in nature can improve our mental health and sharpen our cognition. From a stroll through a city park to a day spent hiking in the wilderness, exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation. Most research so far has focused on green spaces such as parks and forests, and researchers are now also beginning to study the benefits of blue spaces, places with river and ocean views.
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
Water is medicine for those who need it most…and everyone else. Why are we drawn to lakes, rivers, oceans and pools each summer? Why does being near water set our minds and bodies at ease? In Blue Mind, Dr. Nichols revolutionizes how we think about these questions, revealing the remarkable truth about the benefits of being in, on, under, or simply near water. Combining cutting-edge neuroscience with compelling personal stories from top athletes, leading scientists, military veterans, and gifted artists, he shows how proximity to water can improve performance, increase calm, diminish anxiety, and increase professional success.
Ten years after researchers first found that “blue spaces” could be good for us, the concept is proving to be a powerful, practical tool for mental health. UK charity, Sea Sanctuary, believes its combination of marine activities and therapy provides a uniquely beneficial form of mental health support through “blue health” – the concept that being in or near blue spaces such as rivers, lakes and the sea boosts our emotional wellbeing. Many experts now believe blue spaces, such as lakes and rivers, could be even more beneficial than green ones. In fact, blue spaces are so good for your health they can be now prescribed by your doctor.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20221108-the-doctors-prescribing-blue-therapy
This British based project is an innovative wetland-based health programme, designed to enhance people’s connection with nature and improve their wellbeing. The Blue Prescribing Project is a wetland health programme specifically designed, in consultation with participants, to promote a range of mental and physical health benefits through facilitated wetland nature engagement. The project is similar to the growing health practice of social prescribing, which enables health care professionals to refer people to local, non-clinical services to improve health and wellbeing and make better use of community resources.
There’s no better sound – or sight – than waves crashing against the shore, or the tide lapping in and out. The sense of peace and clarity that it brings is unrivalled, and even just thinking about it as you read these words is likely bringing you a sense of calm.“Being in and around water calms down the sympathetic nervous system and the body’s fight-or-flight responses tend to mellow out. It provides a sense of perspective, of how small we are in comparison to the larger world and it gives us the space to think, to rest and reflect,” says psychologist Ruth Cooper-Dickson. “The ebb and flow of water intimates how life is for us all and provides us with balance, and experts from Glasgow Caledonian University have found that spending time in blue spaces lowers the risk of stress and anxiety,” she adds.
https://www.stylist.co.uk/beauty/coastal-water-perfume-relaxing-calming/751239
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Included?
- ACA Qualified Instructors
- Quality on and off-water instruction
- Kayak
- Sprayskirt
- Paddle
- PFD
What’s Not Included? (What Should I Bring?)
- Appropriate clothing – swimsuit, rash guard. Dress to get wet in synthetic clothing (NO COTTON)
- Sun Hat
- Proper footwear (e.g., water shoes)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses (with a retainer, if you want to keep them)
- Personal medications
- Drybag (we will provide if you don’t have one)
- Water and snacks
- If the class is before July 4, we recommend you wear a wetsuit or dry suit. If you don’t have one, let us know in advance and we will provide one (rental fee)
- Dry change of clothes
- A positive attitude and a willingness to have fun!
- We will provide everything else but you are welcome to bring your own kayaking equipment. Please contact us to ensure your equipment is appropriate for the course.
Where do We Meet?
The exact location will be provided to you prior to the class. Venues are chosen based on wind, weather, and desired elements. For Fundamental courses, the location will be in Benzie County. If you have not received information on the venue 48 hours prior to the course, please contact us.
Where is Prescription Paddlesports located?
Prescription Paddlesports is located in Benzonia, Benzie County, Northern Lower Michigan. While we are based here, we guide kayak trips around the world and are often away from home. Please check out our postings and those of our sister company Uncommon Adventures for kayak adventures here and abroad.
Do You Offer Private Lessons?
Private lessons are available upon request. However, we find people often progress faster by learning with other people. Please contact us if you cannot find dates on our calendar that work for you.
Do You Offer Private Lessons?
Private lessons are available upon request. However, we find people often progress faster by learning with other people. Please contact us if you cannot find dates on our calendar that work for you.
Contact Us
Address
6721 Grace Road, Benzonia, Michigan 49616
Call Us
(954) 540-1387
Email Us
rxpaddlesports@gmail.com