We're WATER BABIES!

From swimming to sailing, five women share the joy of blue spaces

- KIM WILLIS

If you've ever taken a deep breath while gazing at the sea and felt your troubles ebb away like the tide, you'll understand the quiet magic of being in, on or near water. Whether it's the sea, a lake, a river or even just a warm bath, there's something undeniably soothing about blue spaces. Studies show that these watery environments can lift our spirits, ease anxiety, and leave us feeling calm, energised and more connected to ourselves, others and nature.

'Blue spaces help regulate the activity of the amygdalae in the brain – the area where anxiety and panic arise,' says Dr Catherine Kelly, academic, wild swimmer and author of Blue Spaces: How & Why Water Can Make You Feel Better. 'There's a stronger sense of restoration and stress reduction at the coast, even more so than in parks or countryside. Green spaces are wonderful but blue spaces are even more nourishing for our physical and mental wellbeing.'

Water doesn't care about our age, body shape or ability. It can bring belonging and friendship, community and camaraderie. Just ask these women.

Ana Teubler, 47, lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent with her daughter Elena, 16.

Eight years ago, Elena and I had a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) lesson in Cornwall on holiday. We loved it so much I bought a board and we started paddling on the River Medway back home. It's a calm, beautiful river with five medieval castles on its banks.

In 2021, I took my first instructor course before quitting my job as an accountant to launch my business, StandUp Paddleboarding with Ana, hosting tours, retreats, SUP yoga, sound baths, river clean-ups and group paddle Ladies Who Launch.