Sand & Sea Or Granite & Snow?
You may have heard me say I’ve lived in South Tampa my entire life. Well, that’s not entirely true. I attended college in Gainesville, Atlanta and Greenville, and then David and I lived in Colorado for two years while I was in graduate school at the University of Denver. We loved Denver—it’s actually a lot like Tampa. But it was missing one thing.
David is an avid sailor, and although he got to sail on some lakes while we were in Denver, it wasn’t the ocean. We skied and we snowboarded, but skiing and snowboarding is snow. And snow, let me tell you, is a pain. It doesn’t fly off with windshield wipers like rain does. You have to scrape it off. After a while, we decided we’d rather live in Florida and vacation in Colorado than the other way around, so we came home.
Researchers say there are legit reasons why living near the water is good for the soul. In South Tampa, even if you don’t live on the water, you live on the water. When you stroll along the Riverwalk, you’re on the water. When you bike along Bayshore Boulevard, you’re on the water. When you drive across Gandy Bridge, you’re on the water. When you’re surrounded by water like we are, you get the health benefits without even having to try.
We try to get to Colorado once a year, and sometimes I wish we still lived there. But then I see snow—and as beautiful as it is, I am reminded of how happy I am with water. Behold the scientific benefits of living in South Tampa!
NEGATIVE IONS
When air is exposed to water—especially salt water—it gets charged with negative ions that help you absorb the oxygen. This super-fresh air is known to improve alertness and balance serotonin, which regulates mood and stress.
GOOD SLEEP
Proximity to water relaxes the mind and body. Living near water clears your mind, allowing you to sink into deeper sleep at bedtime. Better sleep means good ol’ rest and rejuvenation.
WHITE BLOOD CELLS
Plants and trees located near water give off chemicals called phytoncides. When we breathe them in, we produce more white blood cells—great for fighting off illness and infection.
BLUE MIND
This term refers to the therapeutic state the brain enters when it’s near the water. Looking at water floods the brain with feel-good hormone dopamine. Simply walking near water reduces the effects of anxiety, depression and PTSD.
Christy Rosen Clement is a Pricing Strategy Advisor®, Seller Representative Specialist®, Military Relocation Professional® and REALTOR® at Palermo Real Estate Professionals in South Tampa
