Why the Ocean Makes Life Feel Better

People of all cultures and centuries have long found solace near water. Whether for relaxation, inspiration, or healing purposes - coastal environments seem to evoke feelings of peace and rejuvenation that seem almost instinctual. Now science demonstrates what many have long suspected: spending time near blue space, also referred to as water space, has profound health benefits on physical, psychological, emotional, and overall wellness.

Recently, blue space has become an area of growing research interest throughout Europe and elsewhere. The EU-funded Blue Health project studied its positive impacts. Findings show that proximity to oceans, lakes, rivers and coastal environments improves wellbeing far more effectively than other natural settings.

What Is Blue Space? 

Blue space refers to any natural environment where water plays the primary role. Most often we think of blue spaces being coastlines and beaches but blue space encompasses much more!

Rivers and streams, lakes and reservoirs, waterfalls, canals, harbors and marinas. All these provide reposeful environments similar to forests, parks or nature reserves - yet research indicates they also may hold unique advantages beyond just providing tranquility and relaxation.

Water draws our focus effortlessly, soothing our mind, and slowing down our internal rhythms - offering us an instant remedy and clear mental perspective. These subtle effects provide a powerful backdrop for healing and mental clarity.

Long History of Coastal Healing Solutions

For centuries, people have held onto the belief that seaside offers incredible healing properties. Indeed, beach and ocean were long considered natural medicines with tremendous therapeutic potential.

Although coasts were generally avoided during the 16th century, cold seawater was used widely as an effective treatment for melancholy or heat exhaustion. Immersion into freezing water was believed to help “reset” one’s body and boost vitality levels overall.

At its height in the 18th century, shock therapy became even more dramatic: women diagnosed with “nervous disorders” were repeatedly submerged into freezing water until reaching panic or breathlessness. Only then would warm beverages and foot massages restore balance and help treat anxiety. This extreme contrast therapy was believed to restore equilibrium and ease anxiety symptoms.

Drinking seawater was once considered quite routine at that time, often mixed with honey or milk to ease swallowing and seen as an antidote for ailments like leprosy, jaundice and tuberculosis.

Historical physicians weren’t entirely off track. Though their treatments may have been harsh or unusual. Today, you can still benefit from spending time near the coast. Simply being near it has enough healing properties to boost both physical and mental wellbeing.

1. Cleaner and Fresher Air Near the Sea

Coastal air is significantly cleaner, and contains higher concentrations of negative ions - microscopic molecules which increase serotonin, an essential neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation, energy production and stress relief.

Cities and densely-populated areas usually exhibit greater pollution levels, allergens, and airborne toxins than more remote locales.

• Sea air has low levels of pollutants
• It contains negatively charged ions
• More humid air helps ease respiratory pathways
• Encourage deeper, more relaxed breathing

Small atmospheric changes create significant improvements in mental clarity, energy levels and emotional balance.

Lifestyle choices that foster coastal living often encourage spending more time outdoors, with increased sunlight providing crucial support for circadian rhythms, helping regulate mood during winter days, and mitigating seasonal mood fluctuations.

2. Immune-Boosting Compounds in Coastal Environments

Coastal ecosystems feature plants and trees that produce phytoncides - natural antimicrobial compounds which support immunity by increasing white blood cell production in your body, giving you more chance of fighting infection or illness.

Blue space offers numerous immune-enhancing advantages that make it essential to long-term wellbeing. Simply walking by the sea can subtly strengthen immunity, support lung health, and enhance physical resilience.

3. More Vitamin D and Reduced Inflammation

Studies show that exposure to blue space has been associated with higher levels of vitamin D - essential nutrients required by our bodies in preventing inflammation.

Bone and tooth health, immune function, and reduced inflammation all play an essential part of our wellbeing.

Vitamin D deficiency is common, particularly among those who spend too much time indoors. Being near the ocean has been shown to naturally encourage outdoor activity, sunlight exposure and physical movement - making coastal environments ideal places for these. Plus, proximity to it has also been found to lower blood pressure and promote physiological relaxation - two benefits especially useful for people suffering from high blood pressure / hypertension.

4. Improved Physical Health and Increased Activity

Living near the sea has long been linked with greater levels of physical activity. Coastal settings naturally promote walking, swimming, running, cycling and paddling - as well as many other forms of exercise - leading people who reside nearby to be more physically active. Studies demonstrate this trend exists even among residents living in economically challenging regions.

5. Improved Sleep Quality

One of the most striking findings in blue space research comes from a study by the National Trust. It demonstrated an improvement in sleep quality.

• Coastal walkers experienced significantly improved sleep quality.
• Coast hikers slept an average of 47 minutes longer after an ocean trek compared to inland walkers.

Why? The natural rhythm of waves generates white noise that soothes our nervous systems and encourages deeper, slower breathing patterns over time.

• Extended and uninterrupted sleep.
• Faster sleep onset
• Improved circadian rhythm regulation

Even those living near the coast and hearing only faint sounds from the ocean may benefit from its soothing waves.

6. Reduce Feelings of Depression

Blue spaces can have lasting positive impacts on emotional wellness. Simply gazing upon or being near water increases dopamine production - an essential neurotransmitter associated with motivation, pleasure, and overall well-being.

Studies demonstrate the positive benefits that come from spending regular time near water.

• Depressive symptoms decreased significantly over the period near water
• More positive emotions, greater life satisfaction and increased resilience against stress are hallmarks of health in any system

Blue spaces can provide great relief to individuals suffering from low mood or emotional fatigue.

Even simple acts, like watching water movements or gazing upon sunlit waves or listening to flowing rivers can bring immediate satisfaction and mental restorative effects.

7. Create A Naturally Calm Environment

Water environments have an amazing calming effect on our nervous systems. Their sounds, sights, and even scent can slow your heart rate, relax muscles, reduce cortisol production for better breathing patterns and promote mindfulness.

Wave sounds which are predictable, rhythmic and repetitive can help the brain recognize safety signals more quickly. This leads to reduced stress response levels and greater sense of inner calmness.

Blue space offers many people an oasis of clarity, grounding and emotional decompression.

8. Increased Work Satisfaction 

Not every workplace boasts views of the ocean. Those lucky enough to do so report greater work satisfaction and greater overall well-being as a result. Studies suggest employees with sea views feel less stress, remain more focused, and are satisfied with their working environments.

Blue spaces provide many benefits, with coastal views in particular providing an immediate mood lift. Even without direct seaside access nearby, brief respites near rivers, lakes or canals may help improve concentration and replenish mental energy reserves.

How Much Time Near Water Is Enough?

Frequency is more significant than duration when it comes to improving one’s health.The most significant health improvements occur when individuals spend at least two hours per week near water, even if broken into smaller sessions.

Blue space can be found just about everywhere - not only near coastal communities. Even those living further inland can take advantage of it!

Local lakes, rivers, canals, reservoirs and urban waterfront parks. Even short visits with water can have tremendously positive benefits on health. For instance, a short stroll along a river path can produce immediate improvements in wellbeing.

Blue Space as a Path to Holistic Wellbeing

Studies confirm the idea that nature can be healing. Yet blue space offers additional advantages. Water helps create mental clarity, lower stress levels, strengthen immunity levels and promote improved sleep patterns - as well as helping build physical and emotional resilience in individuals.

One message becomes evident as knowledge grows: regular time spent near water can be one of the easiest, most enjoyable, and healthiest ways to boost health and wellbeing.

Blue space provides an effective yet accessible antidote for modern stress. Visits to beaches or rivers or taking strolls alongside lakes provide opportunities for soothing blue spaces oases of respite to seek solace from everyday stresses.