Each month we post “Happiness Hacks” on Catnipblog. They are quick and easy ways, based on scientific research, to lift your mood.
We are compiling them into a book, but want to share them here with you.
I love waterfalls!
One of my favorite places to go is the Columbia River Gorge, an area with the highest concentration of waterfalls in North America. There are over 90! I love it there and I will hike uphill for miles to see the waterfalls.
All my life I’ve loved the rain, going to the beach, having a water fountain in my yard, and taking showers. They all make me happy. Now I know why – negative ions.
Negative ions are produced by falling water and create changes in our levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that relieves stress, increases energy and reduces depression
“Negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy.”
WebMD. Pierce J. Howard, PhD
The WebMD article goes on to say “The air circulating in the mountains and the beach is said to contain tens of thousands of negative ions — Much more than the average home or office building, which contain dozens or hundreds, and many register a flat zero.”
Want to get negative ions?
- Take a walk by a river or stream.
- Walk in the rain.
- Go to the beach.
- Run in the sprinklers.
- Have a water fight in a pool.
- Hike to a waterfall.
- Sit by a fountain.
- Buy a negative ion generator for your home.
- Or . . . just take a shower.
(I didn’t list “wash dishes by hand” or “scrub the floor on your knees” because I believe adding detergent to water MIGHT create positive ions which we all know are not mood elevators . . .)
(PA)
References:
“Negative Ions Create Positive Vibes” By Denise Mann, WebMD, June 2, 2003.
The Owners Manual for the Brain: Everyday Applications from Mind Brain, by Pierce J. Howard, PhD
Biopsychology of Mood and Arousal, by Robert E. Thayer,
In total agreement with this – I love water, always have, and seek it wherever I am. Don’t get moving in the morning until after I’ve showered. Who knew that something so negative could be such a positive contribution to our lives? Something about a parched soul reinvigorated by water. Off to shower now, after I’ve downed a full glass of water.
LikeLike
Sharon,
Good plan. I have always loved the beach, water falls and fountains.
Peggy
LikeLike
Judy, great Hack! I love the picture of Multnomah Falls. My daughter lives nearby and we’ve visited and hiked there many times. A favorite thing to do is have breakfast in the rustic dinning room where the windows look out on the falling waters. Beautiful! Now I know why I enjoy it so much.
LikeLike
Charles,
I love Multnomah Falls, and I took the picture :). I did have breakfast in that room, so I know what you are talking about. Keep enjoying the falls, and every other kind of falling water.
Peggy
LikeLike
I am going out to buy a small water fountain. Thanks for info….Bernice
LikeLike