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Do you love being near water?

There’s something I find very soothing about listening to the sound of rain, watching waves crash onto a beach or looking out over a river.

One of my favourite water experiences is snorkelling over a coral reef, listening to the myriad of sounds in the watery blue world, seeing so many multi-coloured fish darting about, hearing the parrotfish crunching on the coral and admiring the architectural diversity and beauty of the corals themselves.

It was the work of the late marine biologist and conservationist Wallace J Nichols author of the book Blue Mind that helped me to understand just how important being close to water is for our health and well-being.

Despite being land-based creatures, we are drawn to water because it makes us feel good. A UK-based study on happiness in nature for the BlueHealth Project gathered nearly 20,000 smartphone responses to the question, where do you feel happiest? The answer was a clear majority vote for marine and coastal environments.

It’s been shown too that all types of water environments benefit us. Whether you’re at an outdoor swimming pool, river or living at the coast, even being by a water fountain provides a restorative effect, boosting self-awareness, creativity and health.

Now there’s no excuse not to include a water feature at home or at the office!

 

Some of the ways time in a blue space helps includes:

 

1. Increased mindfulness.

However you spend your time in water – immersed in or alongside, there is a meditative quality that keeps you in the moment. Swimming provides a total body workout, gives your brain a boost and helps you feel at one with the water. Tension and stress dissipate, and you feel good. Pass me my bathers now. please.

 

2. It provides a welcome distraction to all our daily hassles.

The salty smell of the air, the feeling of sand between the toes, the joy of discovery of creatures in small rock pools or watching a river all contribute to a greater sense of well-being, serves to alleviate anxiety and builds a strong connection to the outside world. Now you can switch off and relax. You’ll sleep better too. Bonus!

 

3. It protects your general and mental health.

Time in a blue space is often accompanied by increased activity, meaning you’re helping improve your physical fitness. But there’s nothing wrong in sitting or lying near water enjoying the outlook and taking time out to reflect on what really matters to you either.

Time in a blue space lowers stress and lower blood pressure reducing your potential risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and premature death. What’s not to love about being near water?

One of my favourite vistas is to watch sunlight glittering on the ocean’s surface when I’m down at the beach.

 

Where is your favourite blue space, and how do you ensure you get to spend enough time there?

Dr Jenny Brockis

Dr Jenny Brockis is a medical practitioner and board-certified lifestyle medicine physician, workplace health and wellbeing consultant, keynote speaker and best-selling author. Her new book The Natural Advantage (Major Street Publishing) is now available.

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