Living in the suburbs is fabulous, but sometimes you just need to escape the carpool line and trade the SUV for something that allows you to relax. There is nothing quite like a day on the water to remind you that life is good, especially when the sun is shining and you have a chilled rosé in hand.
If you want to cruise the coastline like the queen you are, you need a plan. Here is your guide to the perfect stress-free day on the water without breaking a sweat (or a nail).
Prep Like a Pro
First things first, pack the cooler. This time, no juice boxes and string cheese, instead splurge on charcuterie boards that travel well, sparkling water, and perhaps something sweet like dried fruit. Don’t forget to bring the plush towels and that oversized hat you bought on vacation last year.
Maneuver Your Boat Like a Pro, Too
Learn how to launch and load your boat like a pro for an effortless day on the water. Without a good understanding, you may have apprehension that leads to anxiety, which defeats your goal. This also includes knowing how to dock or use a boat lift safely. With your mind at ease, you and your guests can confidently wade through the water.
The Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing
Once you’re out on the water, let the schedule float away with the shoreline. This isn’t a PTA meeting, and no one’s expecting a detailed itinerary or running order. There’s a certain magic in just drifting, watching the sun play on the waves. Let yourself settle into the moment and stretch out and complete the one thing on your to-do list—unwinding completely.
If you’re feeling restless, bring along a paddleboard for a bit of gentle exercise. Or, simply lounge at the edge of the swim platform, dipping your toes in the cool water and letting the gentle rocking of the boat lull you into a blissful calm. Set your phone to “Do Not Disturb,” since your inbox will still be waiting when you return.
Why We Need the Water
Getting out on the water is about resetting your brain. The suburbs are a consistent pace of responsibilities, but the water forces you to slow down. There is a reason they say nature is the best medicine. It’s cheaper than therapy, comes with better views, and breathing in that fresh air and listening to the waves lap against the hull does wonders for your soul.
Book that day on the calendar, invite the girls, pack the good snacks, and get out there. You deserve a little luxury, a little sunshine, and a lot of peace and quiet. Let yourself recharge and savor every carefree moment on the water—after all, this really is a perfect stress-free day on the water. You’ll head home with a full heart, and maybe even a new favorite summer tradition that you can do with friends every year.
