What is Blue Space
In academic literature, blue space is defined as outdoor surface water. There is growing international literature exploring how water can assist in restoring and promoting health. Many researchers have been fascinated into the psychological effects of water, whether it be a waterfall, the sea, river or lake and there have been many studies and benefits into how being near water lifts one’s mood, feel less stressed, connected to nature and generally improves our wellbeing.
Blue space refers to natural aquatic environments, such as oceans, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and even swimming pools. Blue space has the presence of water in an outdoor setting which has many benefits for our well-being, for example there are many opportunities for various physical activities and exercise to take place, such as swimming, wild swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply walking along the shore. Engaging in water-based activities provides cardiovascular exercise, strengthens muscles, and improves overall fitness.
Participating in a new leisure activity for different groups and populations in a blue environment can also offer many benefits. Britton, et al (2018, pp.60-61) Data conducted on participants with a range of medical conditions who took part in a variety of water recreation activities such as learning new skills as well as include therapeutic interventions such as ‘hydrotherapy’, using the ocean environment, their studies revealed an overall improvement in their mental, psycho and social wellbeing results. The common wellbeing indicators included self-esteem, self-efficacy, confidence, resilience and other psychological benefits.
Attraction of Water
The attraction of water is not new with the many traditions, cultures and countries who have been using water as a natural healing place for many years. I have visited on two occasions, one a recent trip to Budapest, where I had the opportunity to visit their historical local ‘spa’s, it was fascinating to see a medical centre attached to the spa offering a range of treatments for orthopaedic and health conditions as well as offering holistic therapies and second whilst on a study trip to Vierumaki, Finland to investigate how ‘cold water treatments’ help with a range of orthopaedic conditions. These facilities are used by many, especially the elderly seeking alternative treatment.
Benefits of Blue Space on Mental Health
Blue exercise has shown to have positive effects on mental health. Generally, being in nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while increasing feelings of happiness, well-being, and self-esteem. The combination of exercise and exposure to nature’s beauty enhances mood and promotes relaxation. Likewise, spending time near water has been associated with reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and improved mood. The combination of the visual appeal and soothing sounds of water creates a serene environment that can boost mental well-being. According to Kelly, (2021) blue spaces help to regulate the activity of anxiety and panic within our brains and that it has been proved that being next to or in blue spaces there is a reduction in stress and improvement in physical fitness and self-esteem.
Certain leisure activities such as surfing have shown to have other therapeutic benefits, Wheaton, et al (2020) data shows by getting into the ‘zone’ or experiencing ‘flow’ a temporary state of focus and joy where the person is immersed in the present moment, this surf space can offer a different spatial experience such as a temporary escape, dislocating people from everyday life.
This temporary escapism from mundane routine of life appears to help promote health and wellbeing.
Using our Senses.
Being engaged in a water environment can also trigger sensory stimulation, these water-based environments engage multiple senses, for example the sound of water, the sight of shimmering waves, contrasts of colour, the touch of cool water, and even the smell of the sea or the fresh air near a river can provide sensory stimulation that is both invigorating and refreshing.
References
Britton, E. Kindermann, G. Domegan, C. and Carlin, C. (2018) Blue care: a systematic review of blue space, interventions for health and wellbeing. pp 60-61.
Kelly, C. (2021) Blue Spaces, How and why water can make you feel better. London. pp. 28-29.
Wheaton, B. Waiti, J. Cosgriff, M. & Burrows, L. (2020) Coastal blue space and wellbeing research: looking beyond western tides. Leisure studies. Vol. 39 (1) 83-95. p.86.
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