This last weekend most of us in this beautiful state had some summer teaser weather. It was warm, sunny, breezy, and perfect for all forms of spring outdoor activities. I know I went to the beach, did some rock hounding, cleaned up my yard, spread some wildflower seeds, and had a picnic. Sunday, we ended with a lovely rain shower. It was great! Driving to the beach I saw people out in droves. I wonder where they were going. I wonder if it mattered to them. Did they know they were healing themselves? There is just something about spending time in green and blue spaces.

Google offers over four (4) billion entries to the search term green space. If you want to see pics, watch videos, or read articles about green space you will have no difficulty finding your choice. The EPA defines green space as “any open piece of land that is undeveloped” and sites a list of examples:

• Land that is partly or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation
• Parks
• Community gardens
• Cemeteries
• Schoolyards
• Playgrounds
• Public seating areas
• Public plazas
• Vacant lots

Of course, how a green space is managed and developed has a direct impact on the environment and how people respond to it. Is the area clean or covered with litter? Are there trees and flowers or is it all blacktop or concrete? Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) researched green space and found, “Green space can provide mental health benefits and possibly lower risk of psychiatric disorders.” Research conflicts on the amount, variety, and activity you engage in while either being outdoors or viewing it varies making concrete requirements or absolute statements nearly impossible to make. However, much disagreement the research shows, it all concedes that green space is good for our mental health.

Blue space, as you may have guessed at this point, is space with water. Google will bring up over six (6) billion options for you to click on. According to the National Library of Medicine (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), “blue spaces have been defined as visible surface water (e.g., lakes, rivers, canals, coastal water)”. Weforum.org researched blue space and reported, “living closer to and having more blue space within your neighborhood could significantly increase physical activity levels. Blue spaces were also shown to lower stress and anxiety, while boosting people’s mood and psychological wellbeing.” They also went on to say, “people living near water have a lower risk of premature death, a lower risk of obesity, and generally report better mental health and wellbeing. These blue spaces also reduce the gap between less and more affluent areas in the risk of dying prematurely.”

According to CNN, Canadian doctors are prescribing free passes to national parks to treat patients. “Doctors are instructing their patients to wander park trails, feel the crunch of leaves beneath their feet and breathe in fresh air…to improve people’s mental and physical health by connecting them with nature.” The article indicated the standard recommendation of spending a minimum of two hours a week in nature, with no less than 20 minutes per outing. (amp.cnn.com/cnn/2022/04/30/health/Canada-doctors-prescribe-nature-wellness/index.html)

As you observe the space around you take a moment to feel the impact on your inner being. Are you feeling more relaxed? Is it easier to breathe? Are your eyes wandering farther up towards the horizon in peace or expectation? The next time you turn off the TV or look away from your smartphone, find a window to open and look out of, or, if you’re able, go outside and look at the grass and trees or whatever water feature you can and just take it in. Maybe take a walk and listen to the birds and feel the sunshine and wind. Already an outdoors person? Try tuning into the natural vibe of your world and give a nod to the Creator for such a beautiful revelation. Be grateful. It’s true eye candy that is good for you.

Photo by Max Bender on Unsplash