Why are beaches so relaxing? The psychology of blue spaces

Picture this: your eyes slowly begin to open, and you’re surrounded by the sound of the ocean. Where am I again? You quickly remember it’s the first morning of your two-week stay in the Maldives. You arrived the previous night after dark, so you haven’t seen your surroundings in daylight yet. You spring out of bed and open the curtains. 

You’re met with a sea of crystal-clear blue water, and immediately, you’re at peace. This is where you’ll unwind for the next 14 days.  

But is it knowing you’re away that relaxes you, or is it the infinite blue space surrounding you that sends you into a zen-state?  

Deakin University alumni Dr Laura Lee, Director and Principal Psychologist at Blue Space Psychology, specialises in Blue Space Therapy. Here, she explains why being near water can work wonders for our wellbeing.   

What are blue spaces? 

Blue spaces are defined as all forms of natural and manmade surface water. Doctors believe blue spaces provide significant health benefits.  

These spaces can be accessed by all of us. Oceans, rivers, dams, lakes and fountains – anything with water is classified as a blue space. 

Cool, calm, creative: the benefits of blue spaces 

Dr Lee says proximity to water has a powerful impact on how we feel. 

‘Being near water, whether it’s the ocean, a river, or even a fountain can do wonders for our well-being. We’ve known for a while that green spaces, such as parks and forests, are good for us, however more recently we’ve started to understand just how powerful blue spaces are. 

Spending time near or in water has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression and stress, while giving our energy levels a boost.’ 

Blue spaces are also proven to help with more than just our mental health. 

‘There are also the physical benefits of blue spaces. People who live near water are often more active, whether it’s swimming, walking along the beach or just getting outside more often,’ she explains. 

As well as these benefits water can revitalise us without actually entering the water ourselves. You could go for a walk along the beach, a river or a lake, you could sit by the beach or even just being close to water you can experience a positive impact on your mental health. 

‘There are also the restorative effects of water. It can be incredibly soothing. People often describe it as meditative, calming and re-energising. It can be a reset when life feels like it’s becoming too overwhelming.’ 

Blue spaces vs green spaces: what are the differences? 

Both blue and green spaces are beneficial to our health and wellbeing, but our bodies and our minds experience the spaces differently. 

Dr Lee believes that the biggest difference between the two is how our senses receive them.  

‘Blue spaces engage our sense of sound; think soothing waves or gentle ripples. In contrast, green spaces are more about touch and sight; think feeling the grass or seeing the trees.’ 

Exploring the link between blue spaces and mental health 

It’s believed people who visit blue spaces twice a week experience greater overall general and mental health. 

Spending time in blue spaces lowers the risk of stress, anxiety, obesity, cardiovascular disease and premature death. 

A 2013 study in the United Kingdom asked 20,000 people to track their feelings and their surroundings. The results were clear: being near the ocean or any large body of water made people much happier. 

‘Being near water helps calm the mind, turn down the noise of stress, and create a sense of peace. It offers an opportunity for psychological restoration and healing,’ says Dr Lee. 

Dr Lee also states water can make us put things into perspective. 

‘Water, especially something as vast as the ocean, helps us feel connected to the world around us in a way that can really lift us out of the inward focus that comes with mental health challenges like depression. It’s simply that connection to something bigger.’ 

Blue space therapy: how it works 

Psychology practice Blue Space Psychology, located in Geelong, is walking the walk. They use blue space therapy to inform patient treatment plans.  

In Dr Lee’s practice, blue space therapy is utilised frequently. 

When commencing blue space therapy with patients, Dr Lee recommends:  

• Hydrotherapy or swimming: the water helps reduce tension, ease pain and calm the mind. 

• Mindfulness by the water: just being by the water, whether you’re sitting by a river or walking along the beach, can help you feel more present and less stressed. 

• Ocean Therapy: programs that use surfing, swimming, or ocean immersion to help people build resilience, confidence and emotional balance. 

‘Depending on the client’s needs and access, I might encourage activities like mindful walks near water or guided visualisations.  

For clients dealing with anxiety or trauma, that connection to nature – particularly bodies of water – can offer a grounding and soothing experience that empowers clients to engage with the world around them as a way to care for their mental health,’ she explains. 

How to make blue space psychology work for you 

You don’t have to live right next to an ocean, a river or a lake to make blue space psychology work. If you have access to a car or public transportation, you can access a blue space close to you.  

If you work full-time in an office job, consider going for a walk or run past a local lake or a body of water. If you’re close to a pool, perhaps head out for a swim before or after work.  

So, the next time you utilise that annual leave on a two-week beach getaway, just take a minute to appreciate your blue surroundings. It’s likely you will feel more relaxed just by being there – and now you know why!