By Carina Chatlani, MPsy
The science behind the health benefits of being around water encompasses several factors that contribute to improved well-being:
1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Water environments, such as lakes, rivers, or the ocean, have induced a sense of calmness and relaxation. This effect is often called the "blue space" or "blue mind" phenomenon. The sight and sound of water can help lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and reduce feelings of anxiety.
2. Improved Mood: Being near water is not just about the scenery; it's about the emotions it evokes. The combination of natural beauty, the rhythmic sounds of water, and the serene environment can uplift our spirits and promote positive feelings, leaving us joyful and content.
3. Enhanced Creativity: Water environments have been linked to increased creativity and improved cognitive function. Water's calming effect may help clear the mind and facilitate creative thinking.
4. Physical Health Benefits: Water-related activities, such as swimming, surfing, or simply walking along the shore, provide physical exercise that benefits cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and overall fitness.
5. Quality of Sleep: Spending time near water has improved sleep quality. Water's calming effect can help individuals relax and unwind, leading to better sleep patterns.
6. Connection with Nature: Water environments offer more than just a scenic view. They provide opportunities for us to connect with nature, associated with numerous health benefits. This connection can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase feelings of vitality, leaving us feeling rejuvenated and connected.
7. Therapeutic Benefits: Water-based therapies, such as hydrotherapy and aquatic exercise, are used in rehabilitation and therapeutic settings to aid recovery from injuries, alleviate pain, and improve mobility.
8. Mindfulness and Meditation: Water environments can facilitate mindfulness practices and meditation. The serene atmosphere encourages present-moment awareness and relaxation.
Overall, the science behind the health benefits of being around water underscores the profound impact that natural environments can have on human well-being, both physically and mentally.
CITATIONS:
1) Markevych, I., Schoierer, J., Hartig, T., Chudnovsky, A., Hystad, P., Dzhambov, A. M., de Vries, S., Triguero-Mas, M., Brauer, M., Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J., Lupp, G., Richardson, E. A., Astell-Burt, T., Dimitrova, D., Feng, X., Sadeh, M., & Standl, M. (2017). Exploring pathways linking greenspace to health: Theoretical and methodological guidance. Environmental Research, 158, 301-317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2017.06.028
This review article explores various pathways through which natural environments, including water bodies, contribute to health benefits, including stress reduction and improved mental well-being. It discusses how exposure to "blue spaces" can lower cortisol levels and alleviate anxiety, supporting the concept of the "blue mind" phenomenon.
2) White, M. P., Alcock, I., Wheeler, B. W., & Depledge, M. H. (2013). Would you be happier living in a greener urban area? A fixed-effects analysis of panel data. Psychological Science, 24(6), 920-928. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797612464659
This study investigates the psychological benefits of green and blue spaces in urban environments. It discusses how exposure to water environments, with their natural beauty and calming properties, can positively influence mood and promote feelings of joy and contentment, highlighting the emotional benefits of being near water.
3) O'Brien, L., & Murray, R. (2007). Forests and water: Exploring the links between forests and water in the context of sustainable development. Unasylva, 231(58), 3-11.
4) Garrido-Miguel, M., Torres-Costoso, A., Martínez-Cervantes, R., & Adsuar, J. C. (2020). The Effects of Aquatic Exercise on Body Composition, Physical Fitness, and Musculoskeletal Health in Persons with Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(1), 269. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010269
This systematic review and meta-analysis examine the effects of aquatic exercise on body composition, physical fitness, and musculoskeletal health, highlighting the benefits of water-related activities on overall physical health.
5) White, M. P., Smith, A., Humphreys, K., Pahl, S., Snelling, D., Depledge, M., & Fleming, L. E. (2010). Blue space: The importance of water for preference, effect, and restorativeness ratings of natural and built scenes. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30(4), 482-493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2010.04.004
This study explores the restorative effects of "blue spaces" (water environments) on individuals' preferences, affective responses, and restorativeness ratings. It suggests that exposure to water can contribute to relaxation and improved sleep quality, supporting the idea that spending time near water can enhance overall well-being, including better sleep patterns.
6) Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., & Daily, G. C. (2012). The impacts of nature's experience on human cognitive function and mental health. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1249(1), 118-136. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06400.x
This article reviews the impacts of natural experiences, including those in water environments, on human cognitive function and mental health. It discusses how connecting with nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance feelings of vitality. It supports the idea that water environments contribute to overall well-being through their natural and restorative qualities.
7) Barker, A. L., Talevski, J., Morello, R. T., Brand, C. A., Rahmann, A. E., & Urquhart, D. M. (2014). Effectiveness of aquatic exercise for musculoskeletal conditions: A meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95(9), 1776-1786. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2014.04.005
This meta-analysis examines the effectiveness of aquatic exercise for various musculoskeletal conditions, highlighting its therapeutic benefits in rehabilitation and pain management. It provides evidence supporting water-based therapies like hydrotherapy and aquatic exercise in aiding recovery from injuries, alleviating pain, and improving mobility.
8) Ryan, R. M., Weinstein, N., Bernstein, J., Brown, K. W., Mistretta, L., & Gagné, M. (2010). Vitalizing effects of being outdoors and in nature. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30(2), 159-168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2009.10.009
While this article primarily focuses on the revitalizing effects of being outdoors and in nature, it discusses how natural environments, including water, can enhance mindfulness and promote relaxation. The serene and tranquil atmosphere of water environments encourages present-moment awareness, which can facilitate mindfulness practices and meditation.
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