27 November 2019

It would seem it is not just green spaces in nature which can help sooth our body and mind but living near the blue of water can also provide a natural antidote to life’s stresses and strains.

“Outdoor wellbeing” is a new concept to many but it has its roots in the human race’s very origins and provides further evidence feeling connected with nature on land or by sea is essentially good for us.

Proximity to water – especially the sea – is associated with many positive measures of physical and mental wellbeing, from higher levels of vitamin D to better social relations.

“Many of the processes are exactly the same as with green space, with some added benefits,” Dr Mathew White, a senior lecturer at the University of Exeter and an environmental psychologist with BlueHealth, a programme researching the health and wellbeing benefits of blue space across 18 countries, told the Guardian newspaper.

In an extensive 2013 study into happiness in natural environments, marine and coastal margins were found to be the happiest by some distance in figures produced by 20,000 smartphone users who recorded their sense of wellbeing and happiness at random intervals.

While living within 1km of the coast has long since been associated with improved mental and physical health, regular visits can also have a significant galvanising effect on our wellbeing.

“We find people who visit the coast, for example, at least twice weekly tend to experience better general and mental health,” says Dr Lewis Elliott, also of the University of Exeter and BlueHealth.

“Some of our research suggests around two hours a week is probably beneficial, across many sectors of society.”

The researchers believe there are three principle positive factors which being close to water;

1. Improved environmental factors including better air quality and more sunlight.

2. People who live by the coast tend to be more physically active.

3. Water appears to have a psychologically restorative effect.

Being close to nature really does seem to be the future for improved health, happiness and wellbeing.

Written by Sam Peters, founding partner at Planted