Hi Everyone,
Literally just back from a wonderful 3 week vacation in New Zealand where I got to walk along the beach each day of our stay.
Growing up close to the beach, it has always been a place of sanctuary for me. Just looking out onto the endless horizon installs a huge sense of freedom. This view tells me possibilities are endless, one simply has to move forward.
Whilst studying for my Commerce degree my parents would literally drag me out for a day at a remote beach whenever they could see the stress of studies was beginning to overcome me. At the time I of course protested but in hindsight it was probably one of the biggest favours they ever did. After a day break in the sand dunes with wind blowing my hair out of control and refreshing dips into the ocean practising body surfing, studying and retaining information became so much easier.
On the plane back to Zurich I read some super interesting facts about blue spaces. It was fun to realise that my relationship to the beach is by no way unique and that blue spaces really do have healing properties – especially for mental health.
Keep on reading to find out more about “Blue Spaces and Well-Being: The Hidden Health Benefits of Water Environments”.
Blue Spaces and Well-Being: The Hidden Health Benefits of Water Environments
Various studies have been conducted around blue spaces and their benefits compared to green spaces. They all end up with the same 5 findings:
1. Promotes calmness
The “blue mind” refers to a mild, meditative state of calm, peacefulness, and unity that our brains experience when we are close to or in the water. Much like the calm I described above whilst looking out onto the endless horizon – you should try it some time.
2. They Make You Happier Than Green Spaces
A massive 2013 study (and subsequent research) found that people were happiest when in blue spaces.
Water has a psychologically restorative effect. Spending time in and around water has consistently been shown to lead to significantly higher benefits, in inducing positive mood and reducing negative mood and stress, than green space does.
3. They Reduce “Mental Noise”
The sound of waves, smell of salt, and visual, rhythmic movement of water has been proven to reduce cognitive fatigue. This is a phenomenon known as “soft fascination”.
This is the best way ever to cure a burn out, depression and anxiety.
4. They Aid Better Sleep
Breathing in sea air, which is generally higher in oxygen and negative ions, has been aligned to a better, more restful sleep. I find that simply having that salty air around me makes me fall into a dreamy sleep at night.
5. They Encourage Activity
It is simply easier to be more active in a blue space. As a child one of my favourite memories was even walking along the beach in the middle of winter with gusty winds and rain, wearing a protective rain jacket and simply enjoying the wildness of it all.
When I see the waves I simply want to body surf. Funny enough, my hubby who in general is not at all a beach person, also has the urge to body surf when he sees waves in warm waters.
There are so many activities to do around blue spaces that are simply fun. Yes they are exercise too. But because they are so much fun they don’t have any of the reluctance “doing exercise” can have on the mind.
my tip:
Visit New Zealand for a wonderful discovery and blue space experience.
You might like to read:
A Weekend of Luxury & Magic at Te Whaanga Resort & Spa – Raglan, New Zealand
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Yes Te Whaanga truly is a magical place, I was there to and still am in love with the people and the surrounding.