The gentle movement of water lapping, the sound of the waves, the salty air… the practice of spending time in a natural environment featuring a body of water even has a name: “blue therapy”.

The benefits of being near water kick in quickly upon contemplation of the landscape. In some cultures – for instance, at the time of artist Vincent Van Gogh in France – blue was associated with mourning.

Today, in colour therapy, blue is the hue of calm and soothing.

At the seaside, the air one breathes is charged with negative ions. These molecules are believed to have a positive effect on serotonin levels and thus have a positive impact on mood.

Moreover, the air is often purer, thanks to the presence of microalgae.

Simply the sounds of nature, such as the gentle ebb and flow of water, lowers stress, according to a study published last year. In addition, walking along a pond improves wellbeing and mood, and effects can be noticed almost immediately in contrast to walking in an urban setting or simply resting.

People who live near a major body of water – within 1km – are often in better physical and mental health, outline researchers working on the Blue Health Project, a study on the health benefits of environments near water.

According to the “New Scientist”, the team found that, compared with green spaces like forests and parks, water bodies had more of an impact on physical and mental wellbeing.

Living in an area close to a lake or by the sea also enables access to facilities for physical activities, and creates social ties.

While these areas tend to be inhabited by more affluent people, the experts want to “improve access to high-quality blue space for deprived communities, while minimising risks, thus reducing health and environmental inequities”.

For those who don’t have the time or the means to go to the seaside, watching a film or a documentary about the marine environment could have a kind of placebo effect, they added.