The Healing Power of Nature: Nurturing Well-Being Through a Connection with the Ocean

Green Oceans blogLisa Quattrocki KnightMental Health

Jan 8

“Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people's hats off—then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. This is my substitute for pistol and ball."

–Herman Melville, Moby Dick

Connecting with the ocean isn't just a pleasant pastime - it's a powerful way to enhance our mental and physical well-being. Research consistently demonstrates that people who maintain a strong connection with coastal environments experience greater happiness, life satisfaction, and overall psychological health [3][4].

Mental Health Benefits of Blue Spaces

When we spend time near an open ocean, we experience multiple psychological benefits. These include improved relaxation, better mood, and reduced stress levels [7]. Studies show that visits to coastal environments lead to greater emotional restoration compared to other natural settings [3]. People living near the coast tend to be calmer and have fewer angry outbursts [1].

Cognitive Function and Attention

Nature doesn't just make us feel better—it can also help us think better. Studies have shown that exposure to natural environments can improve cognitive function, including memory and attention span[9][10]. This "attention restoration" effect may be particularly beneficial for those struggling with mental fatigue or concentration difficulties.

Physical Health Impact of Ocean Proximity

Beyond mental health, ocean engagement has been linked to improved physical health outcomes. Living near the coast is associated with increased physical activity, as people are more likely to engage in activities like swimming, surfing, and coastal walks [4]. Sea swimming, in particular, has been shown to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety [4].

Quality of Ocean Experience

The benefits we receive from the ocean depend on both the quality of the environment and how we engage with it. High-quality coastal spaces with greater biodiversity contribute significantly to our well-being [8]. The sound of waves, the sight of the vast blue expanse, and the feel of sand and sea spray all play a role in the restorative experience [3]. Whether through regular visits to the beach, engaging in water sports, or simply taking time to mindfully observe the sea, strengthening our bond with the ocean can significantly enhance our quality of life [3][4].

Threats from Offshore Wind Development

However, the industrialization of our oceans through offshore wind farms threatens to jeopardize these vital benefits:

- Biodiversity Loss: Wind turbine installations can disrupt marine habitats, potentially decreasing biodiversity and altering the natural seascape we connect with.

- Whale Survival: The noise from the construction and operation of offshore wind energy projects can disrupt whale communication and migration patterns, threatening the survival of these majestic creatures that inspire awe in all of us.

- Water Quality: Increased turbidity, plastic contamination, and changes in oxygenation from offshore wind turbine construction and operation affect the quality and health of coastal waters.

Preserving Our Ocean Connection

Before jeopardizing the health of the ocean, we must carefully consider the potential costs to our marine ecosystem and the loss future generations will feel with an industrialized ocean. The mental health benefits we derive from blue spaces are irreplaceable, and any development that risks these should be approached with extreme caution.

As we seek solutions to our energy needs, we must prioritize the preservation of our oceans in their natural state. The planet’s well-being, not just our own, is intrinsically linked to the health of our blue expanses.

Citations:

[1] https://www.seasmartschool.com/blog/oceans-mentalhealth

[2] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi full/10.1177/0193723520928597

[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9226434/

[4] https://www.thewellnews.com/health/how-the-ocean-improves-mental-and-physical-health/

[5] https://www.nature.com/articles/s44183-024-00076-4

[6] https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/pan3.10528

[7] https://www.verywellmind.com/the-beach-mental-health-benefits-6500748

[8] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8618438/The Healing Power of Nature: Nurturing Well-Being Through Connection

[9] https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature

[10] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8125471/