Blue Spaces: The Surprising Health Benefits of Being Near Water

We have all heard that drinking enough water is good for our health, but we don’t often hear about the benefits of being in a “blue space” near water. Can you get a boost in wellness simply by being close to a body of water?  

Blue spaces are outdoor areas with water such as the ocean, a river, waterfall or even a fountain or pool. Any natural or manufactured water feature in urban or rural settings can be considered a blue space. 

Multiple studies suggest that the more we’re near the water, the more our physical and mental health and overall well-being improves. Here are some of the findings:

• In evolutionary terms, finding a water source in hot or dry climates would be key to survival and hydration, so this could be associated with relief of stress.
• Living near blue spaces or having many blue spaces available in a geographic area has been associated with higher physical activity levels, which could be one way to improve health.
• The amount of outdoor blue space is also linked to an improvement in the health of older adults. 
• Visits to the water offer more health benefits than simply viewing pictures of water sources. But one study finds that both were beneficial to mental health and have been found to reduce symptoms of depression.
• Looking at pictures of water or visiting water sources can lower blood pressure and heart rate in less than two minutes. Study volunteers also reported being more relaxed. 
• Recent visits to coastal areas (within the past week) were associated with significant improvements in “restoration.” Restoration is defined by overall feelings of relaxation and revitalization and feeling refreshed and calm. These effects lasted beyond the visit to the coast itself.
• Living in a coastal area tends to increase lifespan too.

Researchers haven’t yet discovered why being near or viewing water boosts our health. But the evidence shows that having water nearby has a positive effect on our well-being. Try to spend some quality time at the lake, beach or pool this summer!

Erica A. Wehrwein, PhD, is a professor of physiology at Michigan State University.  Her research interests are on the connection between breathing and the nervous system, interactions of mindset and personality on physiological health outcomes and neural control of blood pressure.