Blue Space

Hey hey!

I've got to say the obvious. it's so nice to take a vacation . I finally took mine after four years so it was way overdue. This next post was inspired by my trip.

I wanted to talk about “blue spaces.” What I’m referring to are areas of living by any body of water. I’m not talking about just the ocean or the sea, but rivers, lakes, and even waterfalls. 

I’ve got to say, as a New Yorker surrounded by buildings and concrete, I was privileged to have the view of the water, being able to walk along the riverside, and even being able to go to the beach in NY.

Oddly enough, I wanted to seek refuge in the green: surrounded by trees and wildlife. All to promote physical and mental health! After moving to a landlocked region, I didn’t expect that I would’ve felt this longing for the water.

In my latest trip, I went to coastal Spain and France. My experience just reaffirmed how much I missed being by the water. Having vacationed along the Mediterranean Sea, I felt elated when I saw the blue water. There was also a sense of calm in midst of the excitement.

What was really cool was observing the locals starting their morning or ending their day with a walk to the beach with a towel draped over their shoulder. I thought to myself, “Wow, this an awesome way to live.” It got me thinking about the health effects of living by the water. 


So I dug into the literature. and this is what I found…

Water has psychologically restorative effects:

  • Reduced Stress: Being near water has a calming effect on many people. The sight and sound of water can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting a sense of relaxation and well-being. 1

  • Improved Mental Health: Living by the water can have positive effects on mental health. Studies have shown that individuals living in coastal areas have an enhanced sense of overall happiness and life satisfaction. 2, 3

  • Enhanced Creativity and Productivity: When listening to the waves it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for slowing us down and allowing us to relax and feel more engaged. This state of calm often leads to increased mental clarity, boost creativity and cognitive function, potentially leading to increased productivity and focus. " 4

  • Improved Sleep Quality: The sound of water can have a soothing effect, promoting better sleep and relaxation. Falling asleep to the gentle lapping of waves or the sound of a river can be highly beneficial for those with sleep-related issues.

 

Water has positive physical effects: 

  • Enhanced Physical Activity: Waterfront living often encourages physical activities like swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply walking along the shore. Engaging in regular physical activity can contribute to improved cardiovascular health and weight management. 5, 6

  • Fresh Air and Ionized Atmosphere: Coastal areas often have cleaner air and higher concentrations of negative ions, which can have a positive impact on respiratory health and overall well-being. 5

  • Vitamin D Intake: Living by the water may increase your exposure to sunlight, which can lead to higher levels of Vitamin D synthesis in your skin. Vitamin D is essential for bone health and supports the immune system. 7

  • Healing and Therapy: Water has been used in various therapeutic settings, such as hydrotherapy and aquatic therapy, to aid in physical rehabilitation and healing processes. A study in Germany found that a combination of sea water and UVB radiation can improve troubling skin problems such as dermatitis and psoriasis. 8


Just listing this all is forcing me to consider to move by the water. Well, at least frequenting a body of water regularly as part of restorative practice.

In the meantime I’ll get a little fountain, place it beside me, and have the sound of trickling water soothe me.

Happy Summer!

🌊 Val


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Valerie Pershad