The Healing Power of Blue Spaces: How the Sea Is Helping People Recover from Trauma, Anxiety, and Addiction

Introduction: Why More People Are Turning to Water for Mental Health Support

For centuries, people have believed that the sea has a unique ability to restore the mind and body. From traditional “sea cures” recommended by doctors in the Victorian era to today’s growing interest in cold-water swimming, surfing therapy and ocean-based wellbeing programmes, the connection between humans and water has remained powerful.

Now, modern research is beginning to explore why being near oceans, rivers and lakes can have such a calming effect. Known as blue-space therapy, this approach focuses on the psychological and emotional benefits of spending time in natural water environments.

While blue spaces are not a replacement for professional mental health treatment, many therapists, charities and researchers believe they can support recovery from conditions such as trauma, anxiety, stress and addiction.

How the Ocean Became Part of Mental Health Recovery

For former British army corporal Dave Phillips, the ocean became a turning point after years of struggling with grief, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

After losing several loved ones and carrying the effects of traumatic military experiences, Phillips reached a crisis point. Standing on a cliff in Cornwall, he felt overwhelmed and unable to see a way forward.

After seeking professional support, he discovered a sailing programme run by Turn to Starboard, a charity that helps military veterans manage trauma through sailing experiences.

Phillips describes the sea as a place where everyday pressures become quieter. Being surrounded by water, working as part of a crew and facing the natural challenges of sailing helped him reconnect with life.

His experience reflects a growing belief among mental health professionals that nature, particularly water environments, can play a valuable supporting role in emotional recovery.

What Is Blue-Space Therapy?

The concept of blue spaces gained wider attention through marine biologist Wallace J Nichols and his 2014 book Blue Mind. Nichols explored the relationship between water environments and human wellbeing, suggesting that being near, on or in water can create positive neurological effects.

The theory suggests that blue spaces may help reduce stress responses, encourage relaxation and improve mood.

Researchers studying natural environments have found that spending time around water can influence the nervous system by reducing feelings of tension and helping people enter a calmer mental state.

Unlike highly stimulating urban environments filled with noise, traffic and digital distractions, water landscapes often encourage slower breathing, reflection and a sense of connection.

Why Water Can Calm the Brain

Geographer Catherine Kelly, who has researched blue spaces for years, explains that natural environments can help restore the brain after long periods of intense concentration.

Modern life often requires constant attention, whether through work demands, smartphones or online activity. This can leave people mentally exhausted.

Water environments create what researchers sometimes describe as “soft fascination”. This means the mind remains engaged but does not need to work as hard. Watching waves, listening to flowing water or observing changing landscapes can encourage a relaxed state of awareness.

Many people describe physical changes when they spend time near water. Their breathing slows, their muscles relax and they feel less overwhelmed.

This calming response is one reason why blue-space activities are increasingly being explored as part of wellbeing programmes.

Surf Therapy and Addiction Recovery

Surf therapy is one of the fastest-growing examples of blue-space healing. Organisations around the world are using surfing experiences to support people dealing with mental health challenges and addiction recovery.

Sophie Pyne, co-founder of Waves of Recovery, developed surf-based programmes after experiencing her own struggles with burnout and addiction.

For many participants, learning to surf creates a sense of achievement and connection. The activity requires focus, patience and trust, helping people move away from negative thought patterns.

Surf therapy programmes often work alongside traditional treatment rather than replacing it. The ocean becomes an additional source of support, helping people rebuild confidence and reduce the stigma often associated with seeking help.

Being in the water also creates a shared experience. Participants and instructors face the same waves, wear similar equipment and experience challenges together, creating a feeling of equality and community.

Diving, Freediving and Trauma Recovery

The benefits of blue spaces are not limited to activities on the surface. Some mental health practitioners are also exploring how scuba diving and freediving can support emotional recovery.

Dr James Jung, a psychiatrist and former military combat veteran, uses freediving techniques as part of his work through Inner Depths, a centre focused on underwater experiences.

Freediving requires controlled breathing, body awareness and concentration. These skills can encourage nervous system regulation, which may be particularly valuable for people recovering from trauma.

The underwater environment also creates a unique experience of weightlessness and quiet. For some individuals, this provides a rare opportunity to disconnect from everyday stress and reconnect with themselves.

The Science Behind Blue Spaces Is Still Developing

Although interest in blue-space therapy is increasing, researchers say more studies are needed to fully understand its effects.

For many years, scientific attention focused more heavily on green spaces such as forests, parks and gardens. Blue spaces are now receiving greater attention, but evidence is still developing.

One challenge is safety. Healthcare providers may find it easier to recommend activities in controlled outdoor environments than interventions involving open water.

However, as more research emerges, policymakers and healthcare professionals are beginning to consider nature-based therapies as part of wider approaches to mental wellbeing.

The Future of Ocean-Based Healing

The growing popularity of blue-space therapy reflects a wider shift towards recognising the importance of nature in human health.

From sailing and surfing to swimming and simply walking beside the sea, water-based experiences are offering new ways for people to manage stress and reconnect with themselves.

For people like Dave Phillips, the ocean represents more than a beautiful landscape. It represents recovery, hope and the possibility of moving forward.

The sea cannot erase trauma or replace professional care, but for many people it provides a powerful environment where healing can begin.

Sources

• Tamara Davison, “The rise of blue-space therapy: how the sea is helping people deal with trauma, anxiety and addiction”, The Guardian, 8 July 2026.
• Wallace J Nichols, 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.
• Research and discussions from organisations involved in surf therapy, sailing programmes and nature-based wellbeing initiatives.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Blue-space activities may support mental wellbeing, but they should not be considered a replacement for professional medical advice, therapy or treatment. Anyone experiencing serious mental health difficulties, trauma symptoms or thoughts of self-harm should seek support from a qualified healthcare professional or a recognised crisis service.