3 ways being near water is good for your emotional health

At Good Earth Water Gardens, we obviously think that no yard is complete without a water feature. But our crazed obsession with water might even be … healthy. Research says that being around water is good for our health. And it doesn’t have to be a huge body of water to beneficial.

The sound of moving water is simple – it’s not quiet, but it’s repetitive and low. And while there’s always movement with water, it’s not the kind of crazy visual stimuli that bombards us in our daily lives. Being around water gives us a cognitive break. Think of the noise, traffic, people, and media that surround you every day. Then, consider your state of mind after sitting next to a fountain for five minutes. Your brain is still working – it just works differently.

We’ve learned that green space in cities is important. But research is now suggesting that blue space is just as essential. A study out of the UK showed people pictures of green space and watched their stress levels drop. But when the green space included water, stress levels dropped even more. Another study found that the closer folks live to water, the healthier they are.

If you get your best ideas in the shower, you know what we’re talking about. The sound of the water creates “blue noise” and acts as a stand-in for the ocean, according to Wallace J. Nichols. He’s the author of “Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do.” We can’t spend our lives in the bathroom, but we can incorporate water into more of our spaces.

Bringing water into your world can mean an expansive pond with waterfalls and fish. Or it can be as simple as a bubbling urn fountain tucked into a favorite spot. Good Earth Water Gardens can help you find the best way to incorporate water into your world. Call us today at 913-749-8090 or contact us online for a consultation.