Do you feel calmer and more centred after a day at the beach? Do you often feel drawn to large bodies of water? If you naturally gravitate towards water when looking for your lost equilibrium, you could be living proof of a current theory related to what’s known as the “blue mind”. But what is the blue mind theory and why does it matter?

Water fans often report an improved sense of well-being after spending quiet time by the sea, or when simply observing the gentle movement of a pond, river or lake. The ideas behind this phenomenon are so widely discussed that scientists are now researching ways of using them to improve the mental health and well-being of city dwellers.

Blue Health

In recent years, we’ve all become much more aware of the importance of mental health. If you live in a large town or city, it’s essential to find ways of escaping the urban sprawl on a regular basis.

In the post-lockdown world, we’re more aware than ever of the incredible emotional and mental benefits of being connected to nature. Since 2020, there has been much talk about the restorative benefits of green spaces, but the BlueHealth initiative was set up to explore the profound impact of blue spaces on our well-being.

It’s More Than Just a Day at the Beach

Scientists working within BlueHealth attribute some of these soothing blue benefits to the social advantages of gathering in blue spaces and the uniting impact this can have on communities. But there’s still much to be said about the calming effect of simply being close to water.

In a BBC article, on the benefits of blue spaces, Kate Campbell, a health psychology researcher at Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, shares her belief that for deeply ingrained primal reasons, spending time in blue spaces has a naturally calming effect, even on the solitary participant.

Beach Medicine

Nothing beats a day at the beach for delivering that blue mind magic. The salty air, the sense of freedom and the powerful waves rushing in to meet us, seemingly washing our troubles away.

Paddling in the sea is undoubtedly a great stress reliever, but there’s much more to the sea’s healing benefits than simply dipping a toe in the water.

Whether you’re there for mental health, social gatherings, family occasions or simply because there’s nothing quite like a day at the beach, the seaside experience is always uniquely uplifting.

Experience the Blue Mind Theory at The UK’s No. 1 Beach!

If you’re looking for the perfect place to conduct your own blue mind experiments, why not start with Britain’s number 1 beach?

Weymouth Beach was recently named Tripadvisor’s No. 1 Beach in the UK, and it’s hardly surprising considering its blue flag status, breath-taking views and jaw-dropping natural surroundings.

Here in this idyllic spot on the striking Jurassic Coast in Dorset, you’ll find a veritable mental health haven, drenched in the calming influence of vast blue spaces — the perfect place to indulge in all the natural world has to offer.

Where to Stay in Dorset

Thinking of giving the entire family a soothing, blue mind mental health break?

You’ll love the wonderful opportunities for camping, glamping and recharging at our flagship Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa.

Book a last-minute offer and experience all the therapeutic benefits of a relaxing break at one of our indulgent holiday parks.
…and if you really want to push the boat out, you can explore the rejuvenating benefits of a private jacuzzi when you book one of our famous hot tub holidays.

The perfect way to soothe and rebalance frazzled townie nerves with the calming effect of water.