World Mental Health Day: Exploring the Benefits of Blue and Green Spaces
10th October 2024
World Mental Health Day is recognised every year on the 10th October as a day to raise awareness globally of mental health issues and encourage an advocacy against social stigma.
Did you know that spending time around blue and green spaces has been found to have significant benefits for mental health and well-being? Read through our blog as we share our tips for mindfulness and relaxation this World Mental Health Day.
A recent report by The Mental Health Foundation revealed that 65% of people said spending time by water has had a positive impact on their mental health. We are lucky to be located beside our sister site, The Deep, which provides a safe accessible space for visitors to be beside water and experience its well-being benefits. To help visitors build a connection with blue space, exhibits around the aquarium also aim to engage the senses. Lights in many areas are dimmed so that the reflections of waves illuminate areas such as the floor in the underwater tunnel, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Zones such as Endless Ocean and Cool Seas play ambient music and ocean soundscapes to build an immersive experience. Visitors are welcome to join in with daily artefact handling sessions at Discovery Corner that showcase an array of tactile marine artefacts. Top tip: Visit The Deep during off-peak times, during your lunch break or even after work to enjoy a quieter experience and more dwell time around blue spaces.
As a conservation charity, The Deep's mission is to create a deeper understanding and enjoyment of the world’s oceans and inspire positive change for their survival. Did you know that taking steps towards protecting nature is also proven to help boost your mood? This can be as simple as recycling, to walking instead of driving, or even joining community conservation or clean-up groups. Playing a role in taking care of the natural world can help to make you feel more positive all round. Learn more about how you can get involved via the website here.
In addition, research has shown that spending roughly two hours per week around nature has been found to significantly boost health and well-being. 70% of UK adults agree that being close to nature improves their mood, with 44% of people adding that nature makes them less worried or anxious. Despite our offices being located in a fairly urbanised area, there are several green spaces around the parameters of the site car park. This includes our picnic areas and The Deep's biodiversity bog garden which has helped encourage a variety of native wildlife species to the area. Visitors to The Deep and passers-by alike are encouraged to dwell at the bog garden and record their observations of nature.
Spending time around green spaces, whether that is via a community park or a back garden, can help to decrease stress. Taking some quiet time to reflect in natural surroundings using all your senses can be a real boost to your mental health. Whether you’re relaxing in the garden or on a walk, try listening out for birdsong, look for bees and butterflies, or notice the movement of the clouds. All of these good things in nature can help you to find a sense of calm and joy- why not look out for them on your lunch break or on your way into work.
The Mental Health Foundation website includes additional resources, advice and support to help you connect with green spaces: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
Visit the BIAZA website for mental health signposting links: https://biaza.org.uk/downloader/1989
Data gathered from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/2022-06/MHAW21-Nature-research-report.pdf