Rowers often
develop a deep connection with nature over time. After all, understanding the
wind, tide and wave height are important to the sport. As per Peter A Derow, there are very few sports and activities that
allows people to witness nature in all its glory and reconnect, and rowing is
one of them. Spending more time in nature can help improve one’s mood, as well
as lower feelings of anger and stress. These benefits, along with improving
one’s fitness, make rowing quite an attractive sport to engage in.
Peter A
Derow points out how rowing helps connect with nature and provides mental
health benefits
In the
technology-driven, fast-paced life of today, exploring opportunities to connect
with nature has become more important than ever. Outdoor activities like rowing
allow people to experience the calming influence of the natural world, and
shall be a good way to de-stress. There are many ways rowing helps people to
connect with nature and also provides a number of mental health benefits.
· A different perspective: Rowing can enable people to develop a unique viewpoint or perspective on appreciating the surroundings. When one is out on the water, and away from the stress, noise and pollution of city life, they shall be able to experience nature in a manner that very few other sports allow. No matter whether one is rowing on a serene lake or a flowing river, the activity takes people to the heart of such environments.
· Up close with wildlife: Rowing is a quiet activity that does not disturb wildlife. It allows people to spot animals in their natural setting. Right from birds like ducks and herons to occasional glimpses of larger animals on the shore, rowing often provides delightful wildlife encounters that elevate one’s appreciation for nature.
· Witnessing the seasons: Witnessing the changing seasons from a rowing boat can be an enchanting experience. Rowing allows people to observe the fresh bloom of spring change to the bright days of summer, and then to spectacular colors of autumn. This helps in fostering a deeper connection with the cycle of nature.
· Mindfulness and peace: The repetitive motion of rowing, along with the gentle lapping of water against the boat, helps create a meditative state. It encourages mindfulness and facilitates inner peace. Simply being out in the water can help people to clear their mind, gain perspective, relieve stress, and anchor themselves in the present moment.
·
Mental boost: Rowing on the water usually
provides a better mental boost than being in the gym. The activity of rowing,
along with the impact of external environmental factors promotes the
‘flow-state’, where analytical thinking gives way to instinct, as one is fully
absorbed in a task. This is considered to be ‘mindfulness-in-action’, where the
whole brain is synchronized ultimately
resulting in complete focus.
Peter A Derow
points out that rowing provides people with a way to escape the stressors of
their daily life, and opens up a world filled with calming sights and sounds of
nature. This activity is not only good for physical health, but would also
allow people to de-stress and strengthen their bond with the natural
environment.