Blue Space
As Oregon prepares for a heat wave this week (while much of the world experienced a heat wave last week), many folks are seeking refuge in water. Spending time in/near water (also known as blue space) provides mental health benefits along with respite from the heat. Like time in the forest, blue space provides us with mental relaxation. This is in part due to the time away from urban environments, as well as the added benefit of the rhythmic movement of water. When we engage in recreational activities in the water, we are also receiving the mental health benefits from physical exercise.
Here are two articles on the benefits of blue space - one from The Guardian and one from The Sydney Morning Herald.
So, not only can accessing blue space be helpful for respite from the heat, but can be added to your regular mental health maintenance routine. I invite you to think about where you can regularly access time near water? Do you have a lake, ocean, river, pond, or waterfall that you can go to?
Additionally, due to the heat, I wanted to add some resources for staying safe in heat. Some information is Oregon-specific, but there is helpful information regardless of where you live in each link.
Information on preparing for extreme heat through Oregon Health Authority.
Information on cooling centers and resources listed for each Oregon county through 211.
Information for finding cooling centers in your state through National Center for Healthy Housing.
Tips for preventing wildfires through The US Department of Interior.
Tips for keeping pets cool through The Oregon Humane Society.
As always, take what is helpful and leave the rest. I hope you have the week you need.
