The Surprising Benefits Of Blue Spaces

But many experts now believe that blue areas, such as lakes and rivers, can be more beneficial than green areas.

“Blue spaces are distractions that make us forget about the difficulties of everyday life,” says Keith Campbell, a health psychology researcher at Te Heringa Waka Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand. “The sound of crashing waves, the smell of salty air, the shock of sand under our toes… the senses calm our bodies and tell our minds to stop.”

Campbell believes that humans have an "innate bias" toward the natural environment that once informed us as an evolved species. Natural spaces that provided food, comfort, and security for pre-modern humans are likely to provide the same sense of comfort in the modern urban world. Spending time in blue spaces can be like "coming home," Campbell says.

The idea for blue health came about 10 years ago when researchers at the University of Sussex asked 20,000 people to record their feelings at random times. They've collected over a million responses and found that people are happier when they're in blue spaces.

Recently, experts at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) found that spending time in blue spaces lowers the risks of stress, anxiety, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and premature death.

Niamh Smith, a GCU researcher and co-author of the study, said the team found that spending time in blue spaces affects mental and general health. The study also linked time spent in the blue space with a lower body mass index (BMI) and risk of death.

"People really appreciate the healing space," Smith says. “They like to have the sound of running water, a comfortable place to sit, and a place to clear their heads from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

“We know that blue spaces benefit health in four main ways: physical activity, stress reduction, socializing in space [and finally] environmental factors that affect our health. For example, you have a tea tree, you have shade.”

In fact, blue holes are so good for you that your doctor can now prescribe them for you.

blue recipe

My depression comes in cycles, says Aaron Akhtar, speaking from his home in west London.

About ten years ago, a 27-year-old man was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, ADHD, depression, and anxiety.

"When it was a bad day, it took three or four days to get over it," he says. "I slept and ignored everyone, including my family, and I love my family. I didn't eat. You rarely see me."

Over the years, Akhtar has tried a number of different treatments, but hasn't found any that work for him. Then, in June of this year, her doctor referred her to the Blue Prescription System, which is run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) charity.

After the first day, she didn't think it was her. By the end of the second, I wanted to come back.

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