How Do Blue Spaces Improve Your Mental Health?

The Benefits of Blue Spaces

Nearly 50 million Americans, or one in five adults, have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, yet only half of those affected receive treatment. Mental well-being is an integral part of overall wellness that is often ignored.

Mental health travel is becoming more popular and accessible for those looking to take control of their well-being. Blue spaces or places near water have been found to positively affect mental health and well-being.

Research has shown that the proximity of water—whether an oceanfront or lakefront view or simply taking a stroll along the beach—can reduce stress levels and promote feelings of relaxation. This type of therapy has become known as blue space therapy.

We will explore how blue spaces can improve your mental health and why you should consider staying oceanfront at Rancho Santana to maximize its benefits.

Why Do Blue Spaces Matter To Well-Being?

Suppose you are curious as to why you feel connected to water. Well, research has explored the connection between blue spaces and mental health. Our ancestors spent much of their time outdoors—often near water—so it is no surprise that humans are naturally drawn to aquatic environments.

Studies have found that spending time in natural settings can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Green spaces such as forests and parks provide a calming atmosphere, while blue spaces (places near or along the water) also offer unique benefits.

Proximity to the ocean provides a unique sense of serenity that can be difficult to describe. People report feeling energized and relaxed after looking at or playing in the sea or other bodies of water.

What Are the Health Benefits of Blue Spaces?

The positive effects of blue spaces on mental health include improved mood, feelings of relaxation, reduced stress and anxiety levels, and increased creativity. Seascapes and the sound of waves crashing against the shoreline have been linked to these impacts.

Further, studies found that living near an ocean improves physical health by providing fresh air high in natural negative ions (calming particles). Negative ions are thought to balance out temporarily unbalanced electric charges in our bodies that lead to fatigue and other symptoms.

Finally, spending time in or near blue waters is known to provide psychological benefits as well. Connecting with nature offers a sense of calm, helps us to feel more present and mindful, and even increases feelings of self-worth.

At Rancho Santana, you can experience the full benefits of blue spaces. Whether you are looking to paddle the Pacific, set sail for fishing, or surf in Nicaragua, the resort offers a variety of activities to get you connected with nature and reap the benefits of blue space therapy.

Water’s Psychologically Restorative Effects

Are you wondering, “what are the positive impacts of living near an ocean?” Water has a calming effect that can be both physical and psychological. Physically, the benefits of ocean water work to relax the body by creating a sense of openness, allowing us to feel lighter and unrestrained.

Psychologically, being proximate to water helps to restore our mental energy as we become immersed in its tranquil sounds and sights. Studies have found that coastal living can bring improved sleep patterns and enhanced cognitive functioning from simply experiencing the beauty of nature in an oceanfront setting.

Green and Blue Spaces – Multi-Exposure for Mental Health

Studies have found that combining green and blue spaces can significantly impact mental health more than alone. Green spaces provide psychological benefits such as:

Increased Feelings of Safety

You will feel safer surrounded by nature, as it acts as a buffer against the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Enhanced Creativity

If you are looking to stimulate your creative juices, green spaces can help do that. Natural environments increase creativity because they allow us to switch off and tune into our thoughts and feelings.

Relief From Stress

Surrounding yourself with nature can help reduce stress levels, allowing us to feel more relaxed and present. Green spaces are particularly calming after periods of high stress.

Well-Being

We take time to appreciate the beauty of nature. Green spaces can create positive experiences, improving our overall well-being.

Improved Self-Esteem

Studies have also found that spending time in green spaces can increase self-esteem and contentment.

Blue spaces offer similar benefits but with the added advantage of access to natural negative ions, which reduce fatigue and improve energy levels.

When both blue and green spaces are present simultaneously, it is referred to as “multi-exposure” – an approach where exposure to both elements has been linked with improved emotional regulation, stress reduction, more positive moods, and higher satisfaction levels. Multi-exposure in nature is considered beneficial for cognitive functioning and creativity.

Rancho Santana is the perfect destination for oceanfront wellness, with activities such as scouting monkeys in the forest, Nicaragua hiking trails and biking the Emerald coast. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and reap the full benefits of green and blue spaces.

Blue Spaces at Rancho Santana

Rancho Santana is a luxury oceanfront resort in Nicaragua, offering the perfect destination for wellness travel. Green and blue spaces are proven to provide mental health benefits, so it is no surprise that Rancho Santana offers a unique combination of both for its visitors.

Green spaces at the resort include lush surroundings, nature trails, and bike paths, while blue spaces deliver access to the Pacific Ocean with activities such as paddle boarding and fishing.

The combination of green and blue spaces creates an ideal environment to experience multi-exposure and reap all associated mental health benefits; improved sleep patterns, enhanced cognitive functioning, stress reduction, and positive moods. Visit Rancho Santana to discover just how much these blue and green spaces offer.