The loss of human-nature interaction has been linked to a rising tide of mental health disorders. A growing body of evidence indicates that human health, both mental and physical, is intrinsically linked to
nature.
Just looking at natural scenery has been found to cause rapid beneficial psychological and physiological changes in salivary cortisol, blood flow, blood pressure and brain activity. Meanwhile, contact with microbes in the environment can “train” our immune systems, reinforcing the good microbial communities on our skin and in our airways and guts.
But many experts now believe blue spaces, such as lakes and rivers, could be even more beneficial than green ones.
“Blue spaces provide us with distractions that take our mind away from the day-to-day hassles of life,” says Kate Campbell, a health psychology researcher at Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. “The sound of the crashing waves, the smell of salty air, the crunching of sand beneath our toes…The sensations relax our bodies and tell our minds to switch off.”
I – Word Understanding
Intrinsically – naturally
Salivary cortisol – a hormone secreted into the saliva when a person is under stress
II – Have Your Say
1, When was the last time you were in a blue space? What are your favorite activities in blue spaces? Do you consider being in blue space therapeutic?
2, Accessibility and pollution prevent people from soaking up the benefits of blue spaces.
How challenging is it for you to access blue spaces? What is being done to maintain clean and accessible blue spaces in your area?
3,As mentioned above, many experts believe that blue spaces could be more beneficial than green ones. Which do you prefer more and why?
