Just add water: Why spending time in blue space is good for you

A growing body of research is discovering the benefits of spending time in or around water. Here’s how to build blue space into your life.

This summer, chances are you’ll be spending some time at the beach.

Whether you’re surfing, swimming or sailing, every moment you spend in, on or near the water is good for your body and mind, but it’s not only the ocean that delivers these wellness benefits.

Experts say proximity to any blue space can help boost your wellbeing.

What exactly is ‘blue space’ and why is it good for you?

Blue space is defined as any form of visible natural or manmade surface water, including rivers, waterfalls, lakes, ponds and fountains.

There’s plenty of scientific evidence of the restorative effects of being in nature, and research suggests simply looking at natural scenery – including water – helps to lower stress hormones, ease blood pressure, and make us feel calmer.

“We know intuitively that there’s something about being near water that is meditative,” Beyond Blue lead clinical advisor Dr Grant Blashki says.

“In some studies, about 50 per cent of people say spending time in blue space improves their mental health, and there’s also research that people who spend time in blue spaces exercise more – also good for mental health.

“People congregate around water too, so blue spaces create more social interactions and that’s another factor in good mental health.”

Benefits of spending time in blue space, according to science

The BlueHealth Project initiative looked at how people spend time in blue space and the effects of being close to water.

Research data from Spain found that even going for a 20-minute daily walk in urban blue spaces within cities lifted mood – so finding a park with a lake or water feature and walking in that space left busy workers feeling more relaxed.

Telethon Kids Institute researcher Phoebe George, who is studying the benefits of blue and green spaces for young children, has found being around water encourages more exercise and family bonding time, and helps children’s mental development.

“Blue spaces seem to support social and emotional wellbeing,” Phoebe says.

“They support reflection and restoration and they are an ever-changing environment too, with different waves, winds and unique soundscapes.”

How to build blue space into your life

Not everyone lives close to the beach, so how can you reap the benefits of blue space if a daily dip in the ocean isn’t possible?

Here are a few easy ways to spend time in blue space:

• Take up a hobby that forces you to be around the water, such as fishing or kayaking.
• Join a community clean-up event at your local lake, river or creek.
• During your lunch break, leave the office and head for your nearest park with a pond or fountain – spend 10 to 20 minutes watching and listening to the water.
• If you don’t live at the beach, make time at the weekend to go for a walk along the shoreline.
• If the beach is too far, go to your local swimming pool and spend time doing laps, or simply sit in the water to cool down.
• Enjoy some water play at home with little ones – let them splash in a paddling pool or, on hot days, sprinkle them with water from a garden hose.

More water activities to enjoy the benefits of blue space:

• Meditation in the ocean: The beauty of freediving
• Aqua jogging is the ultimate low-impact full-body workout
• 5 water workouts for summer fun and fitness
• Is stand-up paddle boarding the ultimate workout for summer?

Written by Sarah Marinos.