8 Reasons Why “Live Life, Go Boating” is a New Year’s Resolution You’ll Want to Make (and Keep)

The New Year brings excitement and hope for a happier, healthier you. The good news is to achieve this, we have one New Year’s Resolution that covers it all: “Live Life, Go Boating!”. Herrington Harbour North knows this is one you’ll enjoy keeping and here’s 8 reasons why:

1. Boating Increases Quality Time with Family and Friends

One of the best ways to strengthen relationships with family and friends is spending time together and there is no better way to do that than on a boat. Boating makes it easy to build connections and have conversations. A day on the water is always an experience and by sharing these experiences, you create memories.

2. Boating Increases Relaxation and Happiness

Boating is one of the best means of unplugging and relaxing. According to Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist and the author of Blue Mind, when you’re on a boat, the good hormones (dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin) go up, while stress (cortisol) goes down. The mere sight and sound of water increases blood flow to the brain and heart, which relaxes and soothes a busy mind.

3. Boating is Exercise

Boating is a great way to exercise, without even realizing it. Pulling on lines, hoisting sails, maneuvering the rudder—these motions will all work and strengthen your muscles. Maneuvering around the boat as it moves through the water will help improve your balance and offer a core abdominal workout. Want to kick it up a notch? Go swimming, fishing, tubing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing off the back of your boat!

4. Boating Promotes Learning and New Skills

You can always learn something new while boating whether it’s understanding the wind, tides, depths, navigation, boat systems, safety procedures, new technology—the opportunity to learn is endless.

5. Boating Improves Communication Skills

When boating, it’s crucial that the captain and crew act as a cohesive unit and team. This means communicating effectively, even through non-verbal means.

6. Boating is a Perfect Way to Explore

With so many great places to explore, you can always find a new place to visit or return to an old favorite for a fresh perspective.

7. Boating Improves Your Concentration

While underway, you’re focused on the here and now. The ever watchful eye scanning the horizon looking for signs of fish, clouds, and approaching vessels is a subliminal way boating tunes the mind.

8. Boating Connects You to Nature

As you walk to your boat through the landscaped trees, gardens, and wetland habitats at Herrington Harbour North, the sights, sounds, and scents of nature unfold. While you ride the waves, breathe fresh air, feel the sun on your skin, and watch the waterfowl fly by your boat, boating connects you with nature.