Tianne Allan experiences relief from her chronic migraine as soon as she immerses herself in Vancouver’s English Bay. Despite the chilly water temperature hovering in the single digits, her tranquil expression suggests otherwise. With a deep breath, her gaze drifts from the lush treetops of Stanley Park to the shimmering glass towers downtown. This invigorating 10-minute cold plunge serves as a precursor for the vibrant day ahead.
“The cold air sharpens everything in focus,” Allan explains. “The expansive sky, majestic mountains, and the rhythm of the ocean create a profound sense of clarity and tranquility.”
Research has long established that spending time in nature fosters psychological renewal and alleviates stress. However, much of the evidence primarily addresses green environments. This prompts the question: How do blue spaces—areas defined by bodies of water—impact our mental and physical well-being?
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Mental Health Advantages
Jody Radtke, MA, LPC, RCC, doesn’t just sit across from her clients in a conventional office during therapy sessions. For two decades, she has embraced the great outdoors for her ecotherapy practices in Squamish, BC, facilitating a deeper connection between her clients and nature as a route to healing.
“The natural world acts as my co-therapist,” Radtke shares. “Engaging with nature opens up various avenues to self-rediscovery.”
She recalls how the soothing sound of water lapping against boulders in a recent session helped a client settle their anxiousness.
“Walking beside a river or paddleboarding invites a universal sense of calmness and connection,” she notes. “Sitting by a river teaches us about change, acceptance, and the flow of life. The metaphorical richness of these environments is profound.”
Radtke’s observations on nature’s impact on wellness are reinforced by a growing body of evidence. A study analyzing 50 pieces of research on blue spaces reveals that time spent near water fosters mental rejuvenation, reducing stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression.
The benefits of proximity to water extend beyond just psychological improvements.
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Physical Health Benefits
Cold therapy boosts metabolism and immunity, alleviates muscle inflammation, and improves cardiovascular health. However, immersion is not the only way to benefit from water’s therapeutic qualities.
In areas where water interacts, such as waterfalls or coastlines, molecules known as negative air ions (NAIs) are created. While research on NAIs is limited and inconclusive, a review of 187 studies suggests that they may influence how our bodies metabolize amino acids, potentially reducing inflammation, enhancing antioxidant activity, and increasing cellular energy production.
Allan acknowledges that there are challenges to enjoying the benefits of cold dips, yet she believes they are worthwhile. “While it’s never easy to step into cold water, the exhilaration and clarity that come from it—feeling connected to nature—is invaluable,” she remarks. “You realize it’s a commitment worth making.”
This article originally appeared in the September 2025 issue of alive magazine.
