Health Benefits of Blue Spaces

A new study published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health has found that spending time close to lakes, rivers and the sea has a positive impact on mental health and promotes physical activity. There is mounting evidence that spending time in the natural environment can promote important physical and mental health benefits, help ward off illness and reduce health care costs. In recent years, stressed-out urban dwellers have been taking refuge in green spaces, which have proven positive impacts on mental and physical health, and are often cited in arguments for more inner-city parks and gardens. The benefits of "blue space" – the sea, coastline, rivers, lakes, streams, and waterfalls – are not as well publicized, yet the science has been consistent for a decade: proximity to water is good for body and mind.

Time spent near water – especially the sea – is associated with many positive measures of physical and mental wellbeing, from higher levels of vitamin D to better social relations. Many of the processes are exactly the same as with green space – with some added benefits. Researchers say there are three established ways by which the presence of water is positively related to health, wellbeing and happiness. First, there are the beneficial environmental characteristics of aquatic environments, such as cleaner air and more sunlight. Second, people who live by water tend to be more physically active – not just with water sports, but walking and cycling. Third – and this is where blue space seems to have an edge over other natural environments – water has a psychologically restorative effect. Spending time in and around aquatic environments has consistently been shown to lead to significantly higher benefits, in creating positive mood states and alleviating negative moods and stress, than green space does.

Researchers believe that water is mentally therapeutic because of its open vistas, reflected light and associated soundscapes. Moreover, blue and green spaces produce special energy fields that facilitate the healing process. Air ionization occurs in natural environments as a result of interactions of photons, electrons, or other atoms or ions with matter. Ionized air is known to affect hormone levels, brain function, and consciousness. Air ions are charged molecules of common gaseous elements in the air, which form when uncharged stable molecules lose or gain an electron due to some disruption. Negative air ions carry an extra electron, producing a negative electrical charge. In nature, the catalysts of negative ions include waterfalls, ocean breakers, evergreen forests, caves, and the summits of mountains. An abundance of negative air ions invigorates us, reduces fatigue, stimulates the immune system, and increases levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression.

As the mental health crisis grows, support for the idea of "blue" or "green" prescriptions for individuals is growing. However, the benefits of marine environments for our wellbeing are tied to the health of those environments. Conservation efforts need to factor in the "natural capital" of blue space in supporting our wellbeing. Researchers hope that we may be more inclined to protect blue space if the health benefits are proven. The natural environment and human health are inextricably linked.