The Power of Blue Spaces

Most areas in the United States experience high temperatures in August, so I felt this was a good time to write about one of my favorite subjects—water!

I’ve been drawn to water since I was a little girl playing in the above-ground swimming pool in our backyard until my skin was pruny. I would swim all day if my parents let me. As I got a little older, my parents bought a boat, and my dad enjoyed pulling me around the lake on water skis. I was so small that he only had to let the boat idle for me to stand up on the skis. We eventually sold the boat and bought kayaks. There were two lakes and a pond within a 10-minute drive from the house I grew up in, so we had plenty of chances to be out on the water.

The sound of running water has always made me feel calm and grounded. Looking out at the ocean's vastness instills a sense of possibility and awe. When I was young, I didn’t understand the science behind my connection with water, but as an adult, I’ve learned there’s good reason water has always brought me peace.

Living near water offers a variety of psychological and physical health benefits, such as decreased stress, increased physical activity, and improved air quality. Gazing at the expanse of the sea or a lake can give a sense of perspective, helping everyday problems seem smaller and more manageable. This shift in outlook can lead to a deep sense of gratitude, which is an important step toward better well-being and a more positive mindset. The repetitive, soothing sounds of waves or streams naturally calm and relax the brain, shifting brainwave frequencies to create a meditative state.