August is National Wellness Month! Meaning: there’s no better time to pack some essential wellness gear for boating and set sail for a relaxing day on the water.
Science confirms that blue spaces — AKA water — are great for our mental health and well-being. According to experts, simply being near a body of water can make us feel calmer and put our minds at ease. And it’s especially beneficial for people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Therefore, a boating excursion can be a fantastic tool for soothing a troubled mind and promoting relaxation. If you’re unsure what to bring on said excursion, keep scrolling for the top boat trip wellness essentials.
Boat Trip Wellness Essentials
Here are the top wellness items for boating that we recommend bringing on board:
1. Reusable Water Bottle
You can’t have a relaxing and wholesome boat trip without proper hydration. A reusable water bottle is better for the environment, and many models can help keep your liquids nice and cool. We recommend taking it one step further and throwing in some electrolyte packets for extra hydration.
If you don’t already have a reusable water bottle, consider investing in an Owala or Yeti water bottle.
2. Healthy Snacks
Aside from water and electrolytes, healthy snacks are also considered boat trip wellness essentials. Consider packing fresh fruits and vegetables, meat sticks or jerky, granola, kebabs, or protein-rich sandwiches.
Read Next: How to Plan a Menu for Your Next Boat Meal
3. Yoga Mat
Practicing yoga is a great way to relax both the mind and body. If your vessel has the space for it, there’s no better place to flow than atop the gentle rocking of waves. Even if you aren’t feeling physical, sitting atop a yoga mat can feel incredibly grounding, and it’s an ideal spot for meditation or reflection (more on that later).
4. Meditation App
If you prefer to stay stationary on your wellness boating adventure, meditating is a simple, non-demanding way to relax your mind. While you can meditate from anywhere — with virtually anything — silencing your mind is a daunting task for beginners. If you’re new to the meditation game, download a meditation app like Headspace or Calm to start.
5. Journal and Pen
Writing down your thoughts and feelings is an excellent way to reduce anxiety, regulate emotions, increase awareness, minimize obsessive thinking, and improve your mood. Plus, you don’t have to journal every day to feel its positive effects!
6. Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is excellent for reducing anxiety and improving your mood. Pack some lavender, peppermint, lemon, or chamomile oil and rub some on your temples, neck, forehead, or wrists to maximize relaxation.
7. Your Favorite Book
Getting lost in your favorite book is a great way to escape the hustle of everyday life. If you’re not into fiction, your favorite boating or fishing magazine works just as well!
Not only does bringing something to read give your brain a much-deserved screen break but it’s also been shown to relax the body by lowering your heart rate and reducing muscle tension.
Read Next: 12 Book Recommendations for Boaters
8. Fishing Rod and Gear
Studies have confirmed what long-time anglers have been preaching for decades: fishing is excellent for mental health. More specifically, it lowers your risk of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Whether you’re an avid fisherman or not, fishing rods and reels should be considered wellness items for boating. Bringing them along will help you have an even more enjoyable experience on the water.
9. Massage Tools and Equipment
Last but not least, there are many massage tools that you can pack for a relaxing day on the water. For instance, consider bringing a portable massage gun on board. If you’re nervous about it getting wet, you can keep some rubber, manual trigger point massage tools in your tackle box and bust them out while waiting for a bite.
Essential Wellness Gear for Boating
Well, there you have it, folks! These boat trip wellness essentials will ensure a relaxing and rejuvenating day on the water. As many of you already know, our nation’s waterways offer a tranquil oasis away from the stressors and busyness of everyday life. And regardless of your idea of relaxation, we hope you’ll find time to enjoy them during your next boat trip.
