How finding time for blue space can boost your well-being

By Felicity Donohoe

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From seas to rivers, canals and even fountains, blue spaces can bring a wealth of health benefits.

We hear plenty about the health benefits of enjoying time in green space – but what about blue space? Defined as any place close to an area of water, there’s growing evidence of the powerful benefits of “blue therapy”. For example, one recent study concluded that people who had grown up having spent time around blue spaces reported better mental health as adults. In fact, being around blue spaces may be even more beneficial than green spaces.

So even though we live in soggy climate – and may even embrace those rainy days – there are plenty of ways to enjoy water without being soaked in a downpour! Fulton Umbrellas took a look at the wonderful world of blue – and the benefits of dipping into it.

1. Water calms your mind

If you’ve ever felt soothed by the rumble of waves on the shore or the gentle sounds of a stream, it could be because the sound of water is what’s known as “pink noise”, which has similar effect to white noise.

However, pink noise has a lower pitch, is less static in sound with a steady background hum. It’s sometimes known as ‘ambient noise’, which can include a lot of natural sounds such as water. The lower frequencies filter out higher-pitched sounds and can have a more relaxing effect.

The repetitive dips and swirls of flowing water can also be quite meditative to watch, whether you’re at the beach, taking a break next to a gently moving river, or sitting by the edge of a fountain.

Boost your mood with blue therapy.

2. It lifts your mood

Being in a blue space can help to lift your mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Physically being in the water can have an even greater benefit than observing it alone, causing our bodies to go into a more relaxed state where heart rate slows down, and blood pressure lowers.

The colour blue is also known for helping you to unwind so, even if you only get a chance to sit and watch the water, you can still experience the peace and stillness it brings. However, if you’re venturing out during winter months when seas can be rough, remember to wrap up and carry a windproof umbrella to keep you sheltered from any gales.

3. Water can encourage exercise

It can be pretty tempting to dip your toes in when standing in front of a body of water. Watersports can have a huge positive impact on your well-being, encouraging the release of feel-good hormones, which elevates your mood – not to mention the benefit it has on your physical health, which can reduce your risk of developing certain health conditions.

Swimming, sailing, paddleboarding – or even surfing and diving if you’re feeling more adventurous – can give you all the benefits of exercising while you’re also soaking up the calming, rejuvenating effect of water.

Being near water can calm the mind.

4. Boosts your connection to the environment

Spending quality time around natural sources of water can improve your connection to the natural environment.

Deepening this connection has been shown to have a positive impact on your well-being, as well as building your respect for the natural world, and our appreciation of clean waters and the need to keep our environment healthy.

You’ll find many local initiatives to get involved with that aim to revive some of the UK’s blue spaces, which are not only great for supporting blue spaces but also give you the chance to meet like-minded new people.

5. Coastal, countryside and urban spaces

From stunning Scottish lochs to the rugged coasts of Northern Ireland, to the surfing paradise of Cornwall’s beaches and coastal villages, we’re lucky to live on an island surrounded by vastly different blue spaces. Even in land-locked towns and cities, you’ll probably be able to find an urban blue space – whether that’s a canal, fountain, or swimming pool.

You’re never too far away from the relaxing power of blue spaces. So, remember to take some time out to find peace and calm – and let the water work its magic on you.

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