Karen March Counselling & Therapy Services

KAREN MARCH
M.Soc.Sc.(Counselling),
MACA(Professional)

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Soothe yourself with Blue Space

"Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it". - Lao Tzu

Have you ever noticed that just being near water changes your relationship with stress and worry? A simple walk along a beach, a dip in the sea, or finding a spot to sit by a creek, can for the moment, allow us to let thoughts drift off, to dream, or to simply give ourselves mental space to be in the moment.

Whether it's the ocean, a river or a lake, the soothing effect of water has long been recognised. For centuries, across cultures, water seems to have been associated with rejuvenation, cleansing, freshness, sacredness, renewal, peacefulness, and life-giving qualities. Within the field of Environmental Psychology, these waterscapes are referred to as Blue Space.

Studies to date have appeared to support the belief that people respond positively to the presence of water, whether it be a natural element or man-made element such as fountains, canals or ponds.

So what is it about water that provides "rest" for our brain?

University of California neuroscientist, Michael Merzenich PhD. suggests that a body of water provides a constant background where visual disturbances are minimal. The lack of visual human busy-ness and incongruent landmarks in water mean that we can allow our focus to relax and drift where it will, without the need to constantly process and interpret what we are seeing. As a plus, when we see a bird or a dolphin appear within our view, we experience a sense of pleasant surprise which is accompanied by a rise in the body's feel-good neuro-chemical dopamine.

Scientific researcher and author of Blue Mind, Dr Wallace J Nichols, suggests that the consistent background provided by a body of water, means that it stays simultaneously the same and also moves, so we experience both relaxing familiarity and interesting novelty when we are gazing at it. Regularity without monotony is the perfect combination for free-range thinking, creativity, dreaming and solution-finding.

This dreamy state of allowing our attention to drift without motive or need is characteristic of the "Blue Mind".

Curative spas or a relaxing break by the seaside have always been viewed as beneficial antidotes to stressed-out lifestyles. Aquariums in waiting rooms and hospitals are often strategically placed to decrease anxiety and tension.

A recent study done at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth U.K. monitored the blood pressure, heart rate and self-reported relaxation levels and moods of subjects who had spent 10 minutes observing aquariums. Blood pressure dropped markedly within the first five minutes of viewing, and positive changes in pulse rate, mood and relaxation were recorded, particularly in those who viewed aquariums with greater biodiversity.

Numerous programs have been specifically developed to aid emotional healing in people who have struggled with mental health and well-being issues.

Since 2007, the organisation Heroes on the Water has helped more than 3000 veterans with post-traumatic stress or post-war injury by taking them kayak fishing, thereby combining physical exertion, learning new skills, and experiencing the freedom and relaxing effect of being on the water. It has been noted that the therapeutic effects have, in a number of cases, been strong enough to break the cycle of traumatic recall and to gently encourage a reconnection and reintegration with the world.

Operation Surf teaches members to surf, many of whom have lost limbs during service. Active connection with the sea has helped improve both positive mental outlook and quality of sleep.

Other similar programs have been developed to help those recovering from addiction and those who are dealing with stress or depression.

The benefits of water could go well beyond what we eat or drink. The benefits of water may well impact on our thinking, our mood, creativity and spiritual well-being.

So, find yourself some Blue Space and soak it up.

Karen March Aldinga Medical Surgery 17 Old Coach Road, Aldinga SA 5173
Mobile: 0409169115 Email: karmar@chariot.net.au

ABN 51440 722 091