I’m Taking Sailing Lessons and Hooked on It’s Health Benefits

I’ve been obsessed with boats and water since early childhood. 

The cool breezes and sandy shores of Lake Michigan were my playground are still my playground as Dad lives a mile away.

Anytime I need a little uplift I’m called to a big rock or log near water…

…and I always seek out restaurants and anything on water.

I convinced my husband to move from the mountain beauty of Breckenridge, Colorado to the Seattle area because I needed to be near water. 

And I thought I’d get my sailing lessons in while in Tacoma, Washington but here I am. 

One day of sailing and I can already see the benefits for side effects of aging.

Sailing requires you engage your senses – from sensing the direction of the wind, to watching how the air fills the sails and creates a snapping sound with the lines.

All of this input gives you information to make adjustments on the water. 

I have to be fully present to do this which is an amazing way to strengthen my senses…something that can decline with age. 

Captain Jim, my sailing coach, keeps reinforcing the importance of slowing down to watch the wind, water and sails unfold so you can react quickly to adjust accordingly. 

The fast and slow brain and nervous system coordination is valuable with age as it’s a way to enhance your adaptability to stress over time. 

Stress management is portrayed as needing to slow down when in reality the optimized nervous system needs practice of reaction time and ability to adapt quickly. 

Having a quick reaction time prevents injury, accidents and prevent falls – especially if you’re working on your muscle strength. 

I’m big on hand-eye coordination, agility and balance with age – sailing tests all of this.

Grabbing lines to pull the sails tight and let them out all while the waves have the boat rocking requires major skills needed for aging well. 

While I know not everyone wants to be a sailor I challenge you to think about – what hobby could you adopt that helps strengthen your senses, balance, coordination, agility and nervous system to help you age well?

Today is day 2 of my sailing lessons – it’s raining, windy and Lake Michigan has some white caps on it – it’s going to be a challenge for the nervous system and I can’t wait!

Stay tuned for more sailing updates!

I’m curious – what are you doing to challenge your nervous system to age well? – Hit Reply!

Here’s to aging well,

Dr. J

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