In recent years, the concept of “blue space”—natural or manmade environments dominated by water such as oceans, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and even urban fountains—has gained attention for its powerful contributions to human health and wellness. While green space has long been lauded for its restorative properties, a growing body of evidence now highlights the unique and complementary benefits of blue space, especially for cancer survivors and their caregivers who often face physical exhaustion, emotional strain, and long-term health challenges.
What Is Blue Space?
Blue space includes all visible bodies of water that people can interact with or view—ranging from vast coastlines to small ponds and urban water features. It also refers to water-based activities such as kayaking, swimming, or simply sitting near a peaceful stream. For cancer survivors and caregivers, these spaces can offer much-needed relief, renewal, and reconnection.
Mental Health and Emotional Resilience
Cancer diagnosis and treatment are often accompanied by high levels of anxiety, depression, and emotional fatigue—for both patients and caregivers. Blue spaces offer a natural form of psychological support. The rhythmic sounds and visual flow of water can trigger a calming physiological response, reducing stress hormones like cortisol and promoting a state of mindfulness and presence.
For survivors, blue space can serve as a buffer against post-treatment anxiety, fear of recurrence, or feelings of isolation. For caregivers—who often neglect their own mental health—time spent in or near water provides a rare opportunity for decompression and self-care.
Physical Recovery and Gentle Activity
Rebuilding physical strength is a key component of recovery for many cancer survivors. Water-based activities such as swimming, water walking, or even gentle paddling are low-impact and joint-friendly, making them ideal for those with limited mobility or fatigue. These activities support cardiovascular health, muscle function, and energy levels without overexertion.
In some wellness programs, adaptive aquatic therapy is used specifically for survivors to improve balance, reduce pain, and increase endurance. Blue space encourages movement, but on the survivor’s terms—providing a sense of control and safety that’s often lost during treatment.
Social Connection and Support Networks
Blue spaces frequently serve as gathering places, offering opportunities for connection and community building—key ingredients in long-term survivorship. Group walks along rivers, kayak outings, or family days at the lake can enhance relationships and reduce the sense of loneliness many survivors and caregivers experience.
Programs like Live By Living, that offer walks, hikes and mountain retreats for cancer survivors and caregivers, continue to incorporate blue space. Participants may feel that time near water helps them feel more alive, peaceful, and reconnected—to nature, to others, and to themselves.
Caregiver Wellness and Restoration
Caregivers face high risks of burnout, especially when their role spans months or years. Blue space offers a respite—a chance to exhale, process, and restore. Whether it’s a solo walk around a reservoir or a few quiet minutes listening to a fountain, water-centered environments provide caregivers with emotional grounding and a reminder that their own health matters too.
Equity and Access Considerations
While blue space holds tremendous promise for healing, not everyone has equal access to it. Underserved communities may lack safe or nearby water environments, limiting these benefits for some survivors and families. Public health efforts that promote equitable, inclusive access to blue spaces—particularly for those affected by cancer—are essential for expanding the reach of this low-cost, high-impact resource.
Integrating Blue Space Into Survivorship Plans
More healthcare providers and support organizations are recognizing the value of prescribing nature exposure, including time near water, as part of comprehensive survivorship care. Blue space can be integrated into wellness plans through:
- Therapeutic retreats or group outings
- Local walks by lakes or rivers
- Water-based exercise programs
- Mindfulness or meditation by water
These simple yet profound interactions can make a significant difference in quality of life.
Conclusion
Blue space offers more than just scenic beauty—it provides real, measurable benefits for physical healing, emotional resilience, and social connection. For cancer survivors and their caregivers, who navigate complex and often exhausting journeys, water-centered environments serve as places of refuge and restoration. By making blue space a part of survivorship care and caregiver wellness, we open the door to a more holistic and hopeful path to healing.
Sources
- White, M. P., et al. (2020). Blue space and health: A systematic review. Health & Place.
- Live By Living: www.livebyliving.org
- Gascon, M., et al. (2017). Outdoor blue spaces, human health and well-being. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health.
- BlueHealth Project: www.bluehealth2020.eu