Blue Spaces: A Prescription for Health and Well-Being!
Ever notice a sense of tranquility when you’re near water? Turns out there’s a scientific explanation for that!
By Aliza Sitrin, on April 30, 2021
Photo: Nicole King - Unsplash
Water has always brought me a sense of calm and tranquility. Whether I am floating on my back in Lake Michigan or overlooking Great Falls on the Potomac River, water fills me up with a deep sense of contentment. It washes away stress and replaces the frustrations of everyday life with peace.
Upon sharing this sentiment with others, I quickly realized that I am not the only one experiencing this special sensation from water. Friends, family, and colleagues all agreed that being in or near water provided them with happiness and satisfaction. I began wondering, why does water have this effect on us? It turns out that there is scientific evidence supporting the positive role of water on health and well-being.
From 2016 to 2020, the research initiative BlueHealth investigated links between urban blue spaces, climate, and health. The team interviewed 18,000 people in 18 countries (mostly European). BlueHealth defines blue spaces as “outdoor environments–either natural or manmade–that prominently feature water and are accessible to people.” [1] The best blue spaces include oceans, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, but even fountains have positive effects.
The study found that repeated, short instances of time spent in blue spaces increases long-term well-being. Specifically, individuals living within one kilometer of blue spaces are physically and mentally healthier compared to individuals living further away. Blue spaces still produce a temporary increase in positive feelings when visits are less frequent. According to James Grellier, a research fellow on the BlueHealth project, “We know from a variety of types of studies that people report higher subjective well-being, improved mood, and feelings of vitality and restoration” after vacationing in blue spaces. [2]
BlueHealth researchers concluded that blue spaces augment health and well-being through three pathways: physically, environmentally, and psychologically.
Physically, people tend to be more active in blue spaces, as blue spaces typically have more opportunities for exercise. Environmentally, blue spaces have less air pollution, more sunlight, and better biodiversity and regulated urban temperatures. Psychologically, water has a restorative effect and allows you to relax. Blue spaces increase positive moods and decrease negative moods and stress. Furthermore, blue spaces are appealing places to socialize, recreate, and develop healthy life skills like swimming. According to Matthew White, environmental psychologist with BlueHealth and senior lecturer at the University of Exeter, while green spaces (forests, parks, etc.) also have positive effects on mental health, the results from blue spaces are stronger. [3]
The World Economic Forum conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of research on how blue spaces affect health. Their report claimed that “living closer to and having more blue space within your neighbourhood could significantly increase your physical activity levels. Blue spaces were also shown to lower stress and anxiety, while boosting people’s mood and psychological well-being.” They also cite findings showing that living in proximity to water lowers the risk of obesity and premature death. Blue spaces even reduce the gap of dying prematurely that typically exists between more and less affluent areas.
Waterfalls and beaches are particularly powerful blue spaces. In the study “Negative Air Ions and Their Effects on Human Health and Air Quality Improvement,” researchers noted that negative air ions (NAIs) are created when water molecules collide with each other or with a wetted solid. NAIs are credited with “increasing psychological health, productivity, and overall well-being.” This explains why waterfalls and beaches are so enjoyable to visit. Biologically we are wired to feel better when there is an abundance of NAIs.
These studies prove a notion that many people intrinsically know: water is good for you. Did I previously know there was research on this matter? No. However, I sensed that water always inexplicably made me feel better. This research explains why we vacation near the ocean, why baths are relaxing, why fountains are gathering places, and why many people play recordings of rain and waves to fall soundly asleep. Enjoying “long walks on the beach” is more than just a cliché, it’s scientifically good for your body, mind, and spirit.
Now let’s put these blue benefits to work. Identify blue spaces closest to you and observe what happens when you increase your visits. Take a walk in the rain or a trip to a waterfall, and then let your senses bathe in delight. The next time you are having a tough day, commit to spending healing time in a blue space.
Consider this blog post your prescription for blue spaces! Everyone can benefit from this easy way to boost physical and mental health and well-being.
Sources:
“Using urban blue spaces to benefit health and wellbeing.” BlueHealth, https://bluehealth2020.eu/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Read-about-the-benefits-of-blue-spaces_BlueHealth-Project_Horizon-2020.pdf.
“Why traveling in a “blue space” is the stress relief you need right now.” LifeStyle, April 2021, https://oltnews.com/why-traveling-in-a-blue-space-is-the-stress-relief-you-need-right-now
Hunt, Elle. “Blue spaces: why time spent near water is the secret of happiness.” The Guardian, 3 November 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/nov/03/blue-space-liv.