With Memorial Day behind us, it's officially time to celebrate summer in Arkansas. Destination points such as Pinnacle Mountain, Hot Springs National Park and Garvan Woodland Gardens offer some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere. Many will travel to places like Beaver Lake to enjoy the natural tranquility of water, and I'll explore the benefits of water in this week's column.
Plus, I'll share a new exercise that can be performed right on the dock. As a child, I can remember taking road trips to Beaver Lake and Table Rock Lake. Our family spent time fishing and water skiing during the day, while enjoying barbecue dinners every evening.
The memories are great, and I've always felt a sense of relaxation around the water. I always assumed there was a link between mental health and water as Americans have always gravitated toward lakes, streams and oceans. It turns out that there is a scientific reason that links "waterscapes" to mental health in the general population.
In 2021, researchers published a study showing various benefits of being around water (health promotion, mental health, etc.). The study reinforced what I already knew to be true -- water makes people want to be more active and improves moods.
Lakes, creeks, streams and oceans represent opportunities for exploration, sport and fellowship. I'm not sure I fully appreciated this in my youth, so I'm taking advantage of every opportunity to be near water with my family today. It's also possible to incorporate some l.
