Our bodies may get older, but our minds really never do.

That’s why radio stations still play songs by the Bee Gees. It’s why Fisher-Price still has a market for its little yellow school bus.

And it’s probably why we’ll always have hammocks.

Nothing seems to make humans relax, daydream and nod off like the simple motion of rocking and swaying.

As an adult, the easiest way to get that feeling is by climbing into a hammock. Because they don’t make cradles big enough.

So hammocks have become an enduring and powerful symbol of relaxation, and especially of summertime loafing. There are certainly lots of ways to relax outside, what with all sorts of waterproof lounge furniture, but the simple hammock remains immensely popular.

Historians tell us that the hammock originated in Central America more than 1,000 years ago, and was the creation of the Mayans. The name supposedly comes from the fact that the earliest of these web-like loungers was woven from the bark of the Hamak tree.

The invention spread around Central and South America, and eventually was adopted by Europeans who explored those lands. Hammocks became popular in the crowded sleeping quarters of European naval ships, and were used for about three centuries.

A HAMMOCK FOR YOU TODAY

Hammocks have come a long way since British sailors were bunking on them, and they’ve come a long way in the past decade or so too.

Today, hammocks are made from all sorts of fabrics for different feels, different degrees of durability and different degrees of weather protection. A good rope hammock often starts in price at about $80 or $90; fabric hammocks might be $200 and up; and quilted or quick-drying ones with hammock stands can be $700 or more.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a hammock — but not too seriously yet — here are a few things to consider to help you catch up on your days of lazy loafing.

And this is the day to start hammock shopping, because many online sources list today as National Hammock Day.

HOW DO YOU FEEL?

Deciding on what hammock feels best for you starts with shape. Some hammocks have a spreader bar to keep the space you rest in from bunching up around you.

A more traditional hammock is more like a sling that clings to you, almost like a cocoon, and some folks prefer that.

Then there’s the material, and every material has a different feel.

According to information on TheHammockCompany.com, the most common types of hammocks are rope, quilted (cushiony) or quick-drying.

For rope, you can choose natural cotton rope, polyester or the more durable DuraCord, which stretches less than other ropes. Cotton is the softest, but won’t last as long, and may allow mildew to build up. The others are more durable.

Quilted hammocks basically have a thin cushion suspended from trees or a stand. These usually offer better support for your back, and come in more colors and patterns than rope hammocks.

New fast-drying hammocks are made from fabrics such as Olefin and Sunbrella. “Olefin is also lighter, so you’ll expend even less energy rocking back and forth,” said Abigail Stanton, a marketing specialist with online retailer Hayneedle.com, which operates the website Hammocks.com.

Sunbrella is spill-resistant as well, Stanton said.

A HAMMOCK FOR EVERYONE

Here’s an idea of the different kinds of hammocks available these days from Kim Murray, a product developer at L.L. Bean in Freeport.

She says the most popular seller at L.L. Bean this season has probably been the Sunbrella Quilted Fabric hammock, for $219. She says it resists mildew and fading, and comes in fun colored stripes.

For durability, Murray says, people might look at the Backyard DuraCord Hammock ($179), which is among the most durable and weather-resistant hammocks Bean sells. She said the DuraCord rope won’t rot like cotton rope, but is soft to the feel. It dries with a quick shake, and like most hammocks, can be used with a stand.

Then there’s Bean’s basic Cotton Hammock, $109 for a large or $119 for an extra large. It was first introduced at L.L. Bean in 1973 and is still a favorite with customers, Murray said. It’s made with 100 percent cotton, and has oak stretcher bars so you don’t feel like you’re deep inside a pouch.

A CARING RELATIONSHIP

How does one care for a hammock to make it last as long as possible?

Stanton, at Hammocks.com, says washing helps any kind of hammock, “considering dirt and dust grind down fabrics over time.” Some require hand-washing, but others are machine washable, believe it or not.

Here’s Stanton’s specific instructions for machine washing, if your hammock is indeed machine-washable:

“To machine-wash your hammock, fold it in half so the ring ends meet, and tie the ends together with a cord. Tie up the other end, and fold once more in the middle. Put the bundle in a pillowcase and tie that up too. All this will prevent the hammock from tangling up in the wash.

“Use a mild detergent. Never use bleach, which deteriorates the cloth and strips helpful coatings from the fibers. Go ahead and use a little conditioner, which will help your hammock stay soft and smell good. Skip the dryer: It’s best to air-dry your hammock.”

Because that’s where a hammock belongs, out in the fresh air.

Where the living is easy.

Staff Writer Ray Routhier can be contacted at 791-6454 or at:

rrouthier@pressherald.com