How the sea heals our minds

NEW REPORT SHOWS HOW PLYMOUTH'S COAST REDUCES STRESS AND IMPROVES MENTAL HEALTH

- By HERALD REPORTER

ENGAGEMENT with the ocean can make a big difference to people's overall wellbeing, a new report by the trust which runs the National Marine Aquarium, has concluded.

The Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT) this week released the interim findings of a major report which was created three years after the launch of their Blue Mind Hub, an ocean-based wellbeing project for people in Plymouth with poor mental health.

The inspiration for the project was the Blue Mind Theory, a term coined by Dr Wallace J. Nichols, which describes the relationship between the ocean and humans' wellbeing. Research shows that individuals benefit from being in, on, or around the ocean.

A new report, which is to be fully published this month, backs up this conclusion with data and testimony that illustrate significant boosts to mental health for those taking part in the Blue Mind Hub.

Released in the same week as 'blue Monday' - purportedly the saddest day of the year - the findings show that engaging in or around the ocean lowers stress, increases restfulness and can even boost the immune system.

OCT Ocean Engagement Manager, Freyja Thomson-Alberts, said: "The report shows that the Ocean is a powerful tool that can be used to make a huge difference to people's wellbeing.