Study: Time Spent Near Water Boosts Mental Health

A recent international study has found that spending time near water bodies noticeably improves people's mental state, especially when they engage directly with the water rather than just staying on the shore. The research team, which included Simon Bell from the Estonian University of Life Sciences, analyzed survey data from more than 17,000 visits to water bodies across 19 countries to understand how such excursions affect psychological restoration and people's connection to nature.

The findings showed that sandy beaches and rivers were the most effective for restoring concentration. However, all types of water bodies studied had a positive impact on mental well-being, including densely built urban embankments. The data also revealed a clear temporal trend: the most significant reduction in stress levels occurred among those who spent about three hours near the water. Moreover, individuals who actually entered the water, such as swimming or participating in water sports, gained greater psychological benefits than those who simply walked or sat on the bank.

According to the researchers, the explanation lies in human psychology and perceptions of safety. Because water always carries a certain degree of risk, a person must first feel safe in that environment before the brain can fully relax. Direct physical contact with water makes it easier to distract oneself from everyday concerns, focus on the present moment, and break the flow of intrusive negative thoughts.

The study also established a link between rest and a sense of unity with nature: the more rested a person feels, the stronger their connection to the environment, which in turn promotes even more effective brain recovery. The results were published in the scientific journal Landscape and Urban Planning.