How Spending Time Near Water Affects Our Mental Well Being

Ireland is known the world over for its sweeping green landscapes, formidable mountain ranges, and unforgiving climate — magnificent in their own right, sure, but also just the thing that sends us Irish in search of bluer spaces abroad, summer after summer. 

When we think of blue paradises, we probably think of the Algarve, the Maldives, Home & Away's Summer Bay. Maybe a favourite local beach comes to mind, maybe not. Unfortunately, our weather makes spending time at the beach, the lake, or the river hard to come by. Nonetheless, we have plenty of blue spaces in this country that have the potential to boost our moods just like a stroll on a glistening Spanish prom does. Now, there's scientific research to prove that it really does work. 

Crystal-clear blue water coves in the Algarve

Researchers at BlueHealth, a project funded by the European Commission's Horizon 2020 program, recently conducted a 4-year-long study that investigated the connection between our general health and well being and exposure to water-based environments. They recognised that 'poor mental health is the leading cause of disease burden in high-income countries (partly due to) rapid urbanisation, and a growing disconnection from the natural world.' 

Tasked with finding out how contact with 'blue spaces' leads to positive overall health, BlueHealth (which is made up of experts from various scientific fields) surveyed over 18,000 people from 18 different countries. Those countries were mostly European, with the landlocked Czech Republic used as a comparator. 

A stroll near a river can benefit your health (River Corrib, Galway)

The results were not conclusive in showing any link between visiting blue spaces and better physical health. They did show, however, a positive connection between spending time in both green and blue spaces and 'feeling calm and relaxed.' They found that Ireland had a low score of 'nature connectedness', indicating that even when we visit natural spaces, we find it hard to feel connected or immerse ourselves in them. Regardless, the study found rather strong links between recreational visits to blue spaces and good mental well being. 

This research surely won't come as a surprise to avid surfers, sailors, or those who are lucky enough to live near the coast. But it's helpful for people who want to find other ways of looking after their mental well being, or better understand how nature affects their overall health. It's also another reason why we need to protect these blue spaces, particularly urban ones, in the face of climate change. 

The lovely town of Kinsale, Co. Cork, with sparkling blue waters in summer

As more and more Blueways pop up around the country — and as we look forward to a summer spent outdoors (rain or shine really, cause we're all sick of those four walls) — it's good to keep in mind that blue spaces can do wonders for our mental health.  

Feeling mentally exhausted? Grab your wellies, your umbrella, or your sandals and head off to your favourite hidden gem. Find plenty of inspiration for hikes and trails near the water on the Xplore Local app — if you don't yet have it, download via the links for the Apple and Google Play stores below this article.

Sources: BlueHealth 2020