Breathing in the clean sea air, hearing the soothing sound of ocean waves and gazing out over the horizon are all things we associate with spending time on the water.

But interestingly, being at sea doesn’t just bring about positive associations like these, it can lead to real tangible improvements to our mental wellbeing, as explained by RYA partner, Insured Health.

The Blue Mind Theory

Various scientific studies have uncovered a range of mental health benefits that come with being out at sea. Together they have been termed the ‘Blue Mind’ theory, which argues that water has a more profound effect on our mental wellbeing than we had previously thought. 

Entering the Blue Mind state may be a familiar feeling to those used to being at sea. But although it can relax us, relaxation isn’t the only mental health benefit of being at sea.

Some of the others include:

• Reduced stress levels
• Improved mood
• Reduced symptoms of attention deficit disorder, atypical autism, PTSD, anxiety and depression
• Better quality sleep
• Improved creativity

The benefits may even stretch further than for our mental wellbeing. Research has also discovered that being in close contact with water can improve the symptoms of dementia, improve your cognitive abilities and lead to reduced pain during childbirth.    

So what exactly is it about being at sea that’s so good for our minds?

1. Being close to the coast

It’s not just the sights or sounds of the sea that can have a soothing effect on us. Just being close to the sea can soothe us.

One piece of research carried out by the University of Exeter found a strong correlation between living near the coast and improved mental health. These benefits were magnified with proximity to the sea, with those living within 1km of the coast experiencing the biggest boost to their mental wellbeing.

Exactly why this is the case isn’t totally clear. It may be that sailing or spending time near the sea provides us with a sense of freedom and possibility that aids our mental health.

2. Exercising outdoors

While being at sea can help to improve our mental health, engaging in physical activity can lead to bigger benefits. Those were the findings of one major study, which saw that exercising outdoors led to a range of benefits including stress reduction, improved mood and better self-esteem.

Suggesting that outdoor activities such as powerboating, canal boating and sailing can all multiply the positive mental health effects of being on the water.

3. Experiencing the clean sea air

It sounds like a bit of a cliche to say that the clean sea air is better for you, but it’s a notion that’s again backed by scientific research.

When you’re by the sea you breathe in more negative air ions, which are created when water molecules collide in the air. Of course, this is far more likely to happen at sea. 

These ions can boost your immune system and improve your mood and cognitive performance. Breathing in negative air ions has also been found to reduce stress levels and improve the symptoms of depression.

4. Moving with the tide

Even the simplest sea-related sensations can have unexpected mental health benefits. For example, the familiar fluid bobbing motion of being at sea and the relaxed sensations it can provide.

But what’s less known is that feeling of fluidity does more than just relax you. In fact, one piece of research discovered that the physical experience of fluidity led to enhanced creativity, mood and motivation.

5. Hearing the sound of water

There are strong associations with the sounds of the ocean. We use it to get to sleep at night, clear our minds, work more productively, soothe infants, meditate and more.

But this isn’t a placebo effect. One clinical study discovered that listening to the sound of the ocean significantly reduced stress levels in participants. Specifically, the study found that participants listening to ocean noises had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those listening to relaxing music or no music at all.

If you want to hear calming ocean sounds first hand, simply take out private health insurance with Insured Health before 31st October. By doing so, you’ll be entered into an exclusive prize draw to win a holiday in the Maldives, Caribbean or Florida.  

Get peace of mind with health insurance 

Unpredictability is one of the greatest thrills about being on the water, but it’s also one of the biggest dangers. Sometimes, even the best-laid plans can go amiss. That’s why health insurance is often the best way to get genuine peace of mind on the water.

As an RYA member you can save 10% on Bupa By You health insurance, which covers you for a range of sea and non-sea-related mishaps. It even gives you access to specialist mental health support, to build resilience for your next on-water adventure.

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