Blue space: The healing power of water
Metropol contributor Cosette Calder dives into blue space and its emergence as a powerful, practical tool for mental health.
While ‘green space’ signifies natural environments like parks, forests and gardens, a blue space refers to any natural or manmade water body, such as oceans, estuaries lakes, rivers, dams, canals and even smaller bodies of water such as ponds or fountains.
The sight and sound of water can induce a sense of calm and relaxation, triggering what’s often referred to as the ‘blue mind’ state. Crashing waves or a river’s rhythmic flow can reduce stress and anxiety levels, and time spent near the ocean has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve overall mental well-being – the ‘blue space effect’.
First introduced in 2013 after a study found people are happier when surrounded by water, the concept ‘blue space’ has since become a widely regarded phenomenon. It’s led to the development of the term ‘blue care’ or ‘blue health’, a form of nature therapy that emphasises the healing power of water for addressing a range of mental, physical, behavioural, and social issues. Researchers believe that spending time near, in, or on healthy bodies of water can offer significant health benefits, promoting both emotional well-being and overall vitality.
So how can it help you?
Stress reduction
Blue spaces can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a state of rest and relaxation. The sound of water can lower cortisol levels and alleviate tension, and used as an effective tool for meditation, relaxation, and energy recovery.
Improved mood
Being near water triggers the release of endorphins (natural mood enhancers). The soothing nature of blue spaces can uplift mood and provide respite from the demands of daily life.
Physical activity
Exercise in, on or around blue space, including beach or river strolls, swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, boating and fishing.
How to integrate it into daily life
Water acoustics
Have you heard of pink noise? The rush of river currents, waves crashing to shore, rain, waterfalls – pink noise, like white noise, includes all the sound frequencies audible to the human ear but with lower volume at higher frequencies. Research suggests that pink noise can aid sleep and enhance memory. Today, numerous apps simulate these soothing sounds which can promote calmness, relaxation, and are great for meditation. The sound of water, in particular, serves as a powerful tool for reducing stress, enhancing focus, and facilitating mental and physical rejuvenation. It helps calm the mind, deepen our inner experiences, and foster a sense of harmony with nature. By masking disruptive noises, the steady rhythm of water sounds can also improve concentration and increase self-awareness.
Ocean therapy
Ocean swimming, while low-impact and gentle on joints, is an effective workout for the cardiovascular system. Involving almost every muscle group, swimming is a full body workout that improves heart health, enhances circulation, and builds endurance. With water resistance about 44 times greater than air, ocean swimming is an efficient way to strengthen the heart and lungs.
Rich in natural minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, each beneficial for the skin, the ocean acts like a natural spa. These minerals cleanse and detoxify the skin, promoting a healthy glow, while saltwater has natural antibacterial properties. Charged with negative ions known to improve lung function and increase oxygen absorption, inhaling the fresh, salty sea breeze works wonders for respiratory health. These ions can help clear the airways, reduce symptoms of asthma and allergies, and promote easier breathing. This summer, spend time in the water or on the shore and maximise the benefits of blue space.
