Blue Spaces: How and Why Water Makes Us Feel Better

by Catherine Kelly

Why do so many of us feel drawn to water?
Researchers around the globe are increasingly intrigued by our psychological response to blue space: oceans, rivers, lakes, canals and waterfalls. Research is showing that they are good for us, inducing a positive mood and reducing negative feelings.
Many people naturally gravitate towards the nearest blue space for their regular walks. There is an innate soothing quality that water brings, whether it's crashing waves, the gentle lapping beat of the water's edge or the reflections we see... Water brings on a meditative, 'blue mind' state.
Dr Catherine Kelly uses the study of Blue Mind, a term coined by Dr Wallace Nichols, which explores the study of water and why it makes us happy, to explore and understand the importance of blue space (water environments) and their therapeutic benefits. Looking at the most up-to-date research and evidence that supports its importance for our wellbeing, she suggests how we can all integrate blue mind practices into our lives, providing examples and exercises that anyone can use to enhance their mental health.

Genres: Health, Nature

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2021

Reviews

[Jared Parsons · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a nice read and helped me to choose to remain living by the coast and be happy with that choice knowing what the water does for me. I only didn't give a higher rating because I was hoping for more scientific viewpoints and based research about the how and why water effects use rather than a wellbeing and mindfulness approach. There were a few questions left unanswered for me. I do credit the usefulness of the practices, just wasn't what I was looking for in this book. I think this book covers some important topics and can be a primer for further reading.

[Christine Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that truly helped me feel seen in my need to be near water and enjoy it in many different ways. I really appreciated her approach to the whole topic although I think it may not be right for some.
Remember to get some blue spaces in your life.

[Bobby Newman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book had excellent sections, but seemed like it could not decide what it wanted to be (Memoir? Call to action? Research discussion?). For this reason, the book meandered a bit with some sections being better than others. I was hoping for more of the scientific research, sort of a water-based Shinrin-yoku, based on the written advertisements for the book. Still, a nice read to increase appreciation for water-based connection to nature.

[Tanya Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this on Audible. Really enjoyed the ideas about ways to incorporate more blue space into everyday life, even if I'm not by the ocean. Would have rathered picked up a physical copy as the exercises in it would be tough to find on the audio book again.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read with some useful exercises and suggestions, but for me it fell between too many stools. Not quite memoir, not a detailed examination of the health benefits of water and not quite a self-help book

[Gill Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating, practical and thought provoking. Also really helpful to rethink what a blue space is - to include human-made water structures and features.

[Martyna Borek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I have ever read. Very accessible, wonderful exercises, very calming, great science breakdown. Loved it.