The Health Benefits of Blue Spaces: How Living by Water Makes You Happier and Less Stressed
Everyone knows about the popularity of a beach vacation. People work all year so they can afford to spend a week by the ocean or a lake. They choose a seaside destination because it’s beautiful and they find it relaxing, restorative and therapeutic; a way to unwind and have fun. But there’s growing evidence that the time we spend near water, or “blue spaces,” isn’t merely enjoyable. Research has been showing the real and measurable health benefits of living near water for some years now.
Green Spaces vs. Blue Spaces
Twenty or more years ago, there was a lot of study on the benefits of spending time in “green spaces.” Getting back to nature was seen as a way to unplug, restore your happiness, and relax your mind. The escape from a loud urban environment; the smell of natural flora; and the clean, fresh air that comes with a walk in the woods all showed obvious benefits. Time spent near water was considered to have the same effect. But scientists have been demonstrating that being near water specifically has a calming effect on people that’s more impactful than simply being outside or even in nature.
The Science of Blue Spaces
The health benefits of living near water, have been well documented. People who live near the ocean tend to visit the water’s edge frequently, not only because it’s easy to get to, but because it’s such a pleasing place to be. And the frequency of visits has a positive effect. Several studies suggest that when people are around blue spaces they experience:
- Lower blood pressure
- Feel calmer and more peaceful
- Exercise more
- Able to better manage symptoms of PTSD, anxiety disorders and even addiction
- Improved mental health
- A more positive outlook
Why Does Living Near Water Make You Happy?
The first reason for this is the environment itself. There’s going to be a lot of sunlight, which provides vitamin D and promotes a positive “sunny” attitude. Also, when you visit the coastline, you’re virtually guaranteed to get exercise. Even if you’re not swimming, you’re at least walking. And scientists believe that specifically being near the water itself has a restorative effect, even compared to parks and woods or other green spaces.
More Water = More Health Benefits
People who’ve been shown any sort of water source tend to rate it as pleasing and calming. Lakes, rivers, and even fountains and fish tanks were all shown to have a calming effect on people. But the health benefits of living near water increase as the amount of water increases. And for this, nothing beats the ocean. The steady rhythm of the waves and the wide-open expanse of water in your view is the perfect cure for the overstimulated state many people find themselves in when they’re living their busy lives.
Scientists can only speculate why the health benefits of living near water are so uniquely impressive. Some think that the cause is evolutionary. It’s possible our ancestors realized that finding water was necessary for survival and that the ocean provided an endless bounty. The positive result that came with life near water could have become hard-wired into our brains.
One Long Waterside Vacation
When you’re considering where to retire, you’re no doubt thinking about fun, relaxing, healthy places to live. And you might be dreaming of a move to the coast. When you’re deciding among places to retire near water, you need look no further than Lake Seminole Square retirement community.
At our community, a luxurious waterfront lifestyle awaits you, with services and amenities designed for comfort and convenience. And with Lake Seminole right outside your door and less than 5 miles from the best beaches in St. Petersburg, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation, all day, every day. Isn’t that what retirement should feel like? Does living near water make you happy? Science says, “Yes.” But do you really need a scientific study to tell you that? The real and measurable health benefits of lakefront living can be yours, along with the luxurious, resort-style community at Lake Seminole Square.
Dive into Our Lakefront Lifestyle
To learn more about our independent living community and carefree and , use our Community Assistant chat feature or contact us here. We’ll also tell you about our Life Care options, so you’ll know all your needs will always be met. With that peace of mind, at Lake Seminole Square, every day can be a walk on the beach.
Does it matter if we say “beach” here and then “lakefront” below and then “seaside” again after that? I know the blog is about living near water and these are all bodies of water, but I want to make sure we’re able to describe LAKESEM as such.
The community is on a lake so I think it’s misleading to say seaside. Can you please change to waterfront or lakefront?
