Why Beach Days and Waterfall Getaways Feel So Relaxing: The Science Behind Vacation Bliss"
One day, while chatting with friends, I found myself in the typical rabbit hole of ‘why’ questions. We were talking about why showers feel so relaxing—even when you’re not actively “showering”—and why we feel so refreshed afterwards. That conversation led to more questions and sparked curiosity about why water has such a profound effect on us. I mean we're constantly reminded that water is so beneficial for us which led me to the thought of water impacting all five senses. The continued curiosity of water's impact led me down another thought of vacationing and how people usually vacation in areas where water is advertised (a pool, a beach, a rainforest, a waterfall, etc.) and then I started wondering why. Why do people feel more relaxed when they vacation at the beach or immersed in nature, as opposed to when they vacation and spend their time filled with tourist attractions or museums? What produces the relaxing feeling of a vacation if a vacation is a vacation, regardless of how the time is spent on the vacation?
This is what I found:
Our bodies, our energy, and the world around us are made up of negative and positive ions, with which we are constantly interacting, including air ions. These air ions have a direct impact on our physical and mental well-being.
I didn’t even understand what I was learning because before this deep dive, I don’t think I could even convey what an ion really was. Honestly, I think I only had the basic knowledge of protons and electrons that you learn in high school and even that recall of information was slim. So I kept diving…
Air ions are molecules in the atmosphere that form when gas molecules or atoms gain or eject electrons. They’re produced when there are alterations in the atmosphere through weather, nature, and artificial sources. Okay, fine, easy enough right? But also, tell me more…
Positive air ions lose electrons and negative air ions acquire the ejected electrons. When positive air ions lose electrons, which are negatively charged, they then have a higher positive charge and when negative air ions gain electrons they have a higher negative charge, easy enough right?
My initial thought was, “okay, so we seek positive ions to increase positive mood”…wrong. Positive air ions, contrary to their name, do not create or stem from positive occurrences. We don’t like positive air ions, they’re not great.
Positive air ions are more profound in areas where there is low air circulation, high humidity, or in areas with increased electromagnetic fields. They form in the air through natural and human-made processes like, emissions, dust, smoke, thunderstorm lightning, UV lights, radiation, air conditioners, fans, electronics, pollution, dust, etc. Even when naturally produced, high concentrations can impact respiratory problems, increase stress and irritability, cause discomfort and fatigue, negatively affect air quality, and build static electricity.
Negative air ions on the other hand have a negative charge but have positive impacts. We THRIVE for negative air ions. They’re mass produced and commonly found in nature, especially in environments where there is increased air circulation, vegetation, sun, and/or water. Negative air ions can help enhance mood, promote serotonin, reduce stress, and increase energy levels.
Where and more curiously, how?
Plants release negative air ions by releasing water vapors during transpiration, absorbing carbon dioxide, and increasing oxygen. The surface of plants also interact with pollutants and neutralize them. Plants' natural cycles contribute to fresher, more ionized atmospheres, particularly in forests and lush environments, but also is why indoor plants are recommended to improve air quality and contribute to feelings of calm.
Mountains are high-energy environments due to wind, high-altitude radiation, and ultraviolet rays from the sun. At higher altitudes, the atmosphere is thinner and there is increased exposure to the sun’s radiation and these rays help ionize molecules in the air. Because there is also stronger and more turbulent winds in higher elevations, air molecules and water droplets have an easier time breaking down, creating more negative air ions. Mountains are also, often, located far from sources of pollution which means they have cleaner air, thus less positive ions, allowing negative air ions to thrive rather than neutralize. This unique combination environment promotes rich negative air ion concentrations.
Waterfalls, beaches, and bodies of water are also rich in negative air ions due to the constant movement of water. The splashing, crashing, or trickling of water naturally releases water particles into the air and attract electrons, particularly oxygen molecules, turning them into negative ions. Areas near larger bodies of water are higher in concentrations of negative air ions which creates that refreshing and revitalizing environment.
The negative air ions purify air by binding with airborne particles (dust, pollen, smoke, etc…) and neutralize positive ions. During this process pollutants are settled out of the air, resulting in enhancement of the overall atmosphere in these locations. This is why many vacation spots are located in serene natural environments and ultimately why we are drawn to them! They’re invigorating and refreshing and reinforce relaxation.
(Negative air ions can also be formed in artificial capacities by utilizing air purifiers, ionizers, electrostatic precipitators, salt lamps, and some high voltage equipment.)
Okay, so back to some vacations feeling more relaxing than others…
When we think about busier attraction focused vacations, especially those that are spent indoors—indoor environments tend to have more positive air ions. Museums, theatres, and indoor attractions typically have controlled climates to assist with preservation or comfortability, meaning more limited natural ventilation. POSITIVE AIR IONS. These indoor environments also use lighting, computers, displays, or differing electronic devices that emit positive ions which contributes to feeling stuffy or less relaxed. Even amusement parks have more positive ions and most of them are outside. Large crowds of people at parks means more positive air ions. Humans tend to emit positive ions due to the energy we expand and our continuous interactions with electronic devices (phones, tablets, watches, etc.). These amusement parks usually rely on heavy electronic equipment and experience increased levels of pollution (traffic, food stands, and other exhaust) with minimal natural elements leading to worsened air quality and higher concentrations of positive ions.
My vacation question was answered and then I became curious on how to increase daily negative air ions because everyone cannot live in these areas or continuously engage in nature rich vacations. So how do we promote negative air ion intake within daily engagements to influence enrichment.
Shower! Although not as intense or abundant in natural environments, negative air ions are generated when we shower as a result of the continuous movement of water, higher humidity levels, and rising steam interacting with cooler surfaces. The production of negative air ions when showering can mimic a more modest feeling of relaxation and refreshment we experience when we are in larger natural ion-rich environments. Also use your shower time to clear your mind and engage in mindfulness practices. Immerse yourself in how the water naturally impacts all five senses..
Add houseplants in high-traffic areas of your house. Spider plants, peace lilies, and Areca palms have air-purifying and ion-generating properties.
Think about indoor fish tanks or small indoor waterfall fountains.
Use salt lamps. Although salt lamps are not the most powerful generators of negative air ions, when heated, they do release water molecules into the air and create minor improvements to air quality.
Encourage fresh air and proper ventilation throughout your home and work spaces (especially true in nature rich environments). Open your windows when you can, especially after a storm or during periods of high outdoor air quality.
Use devices that generate negative air ions like good-quality ionizers, humidifiers, essential oil defusers, electrostatic precipitators, and air purifiers with ionizing features.
Encourage environmental design within your home. Opt for natural materials with furniture and decor.
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