Did you know that people that visit the coast at least twice a week tend to experience better general and mental health?

According to researchers at the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth (UK), “blue spaces” (any body of water) have a psychologically restorative effect which is significantly higher than that of green spaces. Blue spaces induce positive mood and reduce stress. Moreover, people that live close to the water tend to be more physically active and socialize more with friends and family.

The coast seems to be especially effective

You “immerse yourself” in it, which you can’t in a green space. You concentrate on the environment and forget about your negative thoughts. If you are surfing, swimming or sailing, for example, you are in tune with the natural forces, having to understand them, being one with the environment.

We have explained before on this video about SOPHIE project: the Ocean does so much for us. And our health is intrinsically connected to it. Exploring this extraordinary relationship is the basis for an emerging scientific discipline called “Oceans and Human Health”. So many reasons to love the Ocean!

With this perspective in mind, the idea of “blue” or “green” prescription is growing. By following this line of study, the research team aims to establish how “blue infrastructures” can help tackle major public health challenges, such as obesity, physical inactivity and mental health disorders. A paper published in 2016 by this same group valued the health benefit of engaging with the marine environment in the UK at 206 millions of euros per year!

The benefits of marine environments for our wellbeing are closely connected to the health of those environments. Hopefully, we may be more inclined to protect our ocean if its health benefits are fully proven.

Do you want to know more? Read the full article here.