Study Shows Living Near The Water Reduces Stress

Jul 23, 2018

How many of us would choose to stay on the lake or on the beach when we go on vacation? Why do we do it? Because it feels relaxing and soothing, right? If this is how you feel when you are near the water, read on!

^{istockphotos.com/LiuNian}

You’ll be happy to hear about the latest scientific confirmation that states water brings relief from stress and can calm us down.

This study, confirmed by the journal Health & Place, looked at the effects of blue and green spaces on a person’s well-being (water, trees, and vegetation.)

^{istockphotos.com/yotrak}

According to researchers, gazing upon higher levels of the color blue is associated with having lower psychological distress.

This means that you’ll be less stressed the longer you are near the water. Ask anyone who has ever slept near an open window on the beach or lake!

^{istockphotos.com/Max2611}

This means that you should always try to get a room with a view when you are on vacation. If you get the chance to actually live on a body of water, jump at it!

The study was done in the United States at the Michigan State University and the University of Canterbury.

Researchers in the study checked out different residential areas in Wellington, New Zealand in order to understand the effects of water on our wellbeing.

The city itself is considered to be very urban. The area is surrounded by the Tasman Sea, which is to the north, and the Pacific Ocean, which is to the south. Obviously, this is an area surrounded by a lot of water!

^{istockphotos.com/wat}

Wellington is also home to many grassy parks and lush forests, too. Even better!

A national survey known as the New Zealand Health Survey is taken every year. This survey is performed to measure different health indicators of the New Zealanders and is one of the things researchers looked at when conducting their research.

They mainly focused on what is known as the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, which is used to measure mood and anxiety disorders.

The study took into account many factors that help a person’s mood and well-being, such as age, gender, and wealth. However, they found that those who had a view of the water showed improved mental health.

^{istockphotos.com/NoSystem images}

Researchers were surprised that the view of trees and parks didn’t seem to have the same effect on their well-being as the water did.

The study’s co-author, Amber Pearson, had her own conclusions. She believed that since the blue space was completely natural, it had a better effect on the person viewing it. The green space included areas that were human-made, such as playgrounds and sports fields. She feels these areas don’t have the same effect. But natural native forests may cause a different reaction.

Pearson believes that understanding the research is important because of the increase of mental health disorders all over the world. She believes that building affordable houses near the water is a start to increasing mental wellness.

What are your thoughts on this theory? Do you love being by the water or would you rather be surrounded by lots of trees? Let us know in the comments!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!