Dr. Sanjay Gupta Says I’m Suffering from Blue Space Deprivation

Summary

Marcia Gage discusses the concept of "Blue Space Phenomena," detailing how living near water can lead to healthier and happier lives, as supported by scientific research and her personal experiences in Mexico.

Abstract

Marcia Gage reflects on her time living in Mexico near Banderas Bay and the Pacific Ocean, emphasizing the positive impact on her physical and mental well-being. She references Dr. Sanjay Gupta's podcast, 'Chasing Life,' where environmental scientist Dr. Matthew White explains the 'Blue Space Phenomena.' This phenomenon suggests that individuals living by or regularly experiencing water bodies tend to have better health and longevity. Gage relates to this, noting her improved health and reduced stress while living near the ocean. She also touches on her struggle with barometric pressure illness, which is less prevalent in coastal regions. Despite her current inability to relocate to the ocean, she plans to incorporate more 'blue space' experiences into her life and encourages readers to share their experiences with living near water.

Opinions

The author believes in the health benefits of living near water, as she felt better physically and mentally when residing in Mexico by the ocean.
Gage attributes her improved lifestyle in Mexico, including less work and more relaxation, to her enhanced physical and mental health.
She agrees with the scientific studies mentioned by Dr. White, which indicate that the sights and sounds of water can lower stress, heart rate, and blood pressure.
The author suffers from barometric pressure illness and finds that living in a landlocked area like Minnesota exacerbates this condition due to frequent changes in barometric pressure.
Gage is convinced of the 'Blue Space Phenomena' and is committed to seeking out aquatic environments, whether through vacations or visits to local lakes, to maintain her health and well-being.
She suggests downloading apps with ocean wave sounds as a practical alternative for those unable to live near water.

Well, I’m Paraphrasing

If you know me personally or follow me on Medium, you know how much I miss living in Mexico. I miss the weather, the culture, and the people. But it turns out that what I might miss most of all is the Pacific Ocean.

Our place was just a couple of blocks from Banderas Bay, which leads to the ocean. I couldn’t see the bay from our condo, but we did enjoy a terrific view from the rooftop deck. Additionally, I walked along the Malecon and next to the bay nearly every day. Occasionally, I even went whale watching or on another boating excursion that went beyond the bay and into the Pacific Ocean.

According to Dr. Gupta’s expert on his podcast, ‘Chasing Life,’ people who live by the water or regularly experience it tend to live healthier, happier, and often longer lives. It’s what’s known as the ‘Blue Space Phenomena’, and from what I’ve experienced, I would say it makes perfect sense.

When I lived in Mexico, and near the ocean, I felt better both physically and mentally. I remember being far less caustic and more relaxed. I remember noticing that I swore far less than I do now. I attributed my improved physical and mental health to working less and socializing and relaxing much more. And, of course, my improved lifestyle contributed to better health. But, according to scientific studies, the sights and sounds of a large body of water lowers stress and, therefore, heart rate and blood pressure.

I also suffer from barometric pressure illness. Yes, it is a thing. Changes in barometric pressure (especially drops) cause some individuals to suffer from headaches, joint pain, malaise, and all over feelings of pressure. In Minnesota, because we’re right in the middle of the country, the barometric pressure changes 100 days or more out of the year. Barometric pressure rarely becomes an issue when you live on the coast, by the ocean and mountains.

On Dr. Gupta’s podcast, he discussed the ‘Blue Space Phenomena’ with environmental scientist Dr. Matthew White. White went over some significant studies showing that people who live by blue spaces, especially oceans live longer and experience better health. Some of the points I found particularly interesting include:

The blue space effect holds true for the working population and retirees.

Humans don’t adapt to the improved health they get when around water. In other words, they don’t retreat to their former health concerns, but the benefits keep getting better.

Viewing a blue space also contributes to better mental health. You can live a mile or two from the body of water and reside in a high-rise and still receive a calming effect from a view of the ocean or a lake.

The waves and constant changes of the ocean help you think less about your problems.

My present circumstances don’t allow for me to move back to the ocean but listening to the podcast confirms my plans to get back there on vacation as much as possible. I also intend to visit the lakes we have in the Twin Cities more often. And, as the two doctors suggested, I will download an app with the sounds of ocean waves.

Do you live near a blue space? I would appreciate hearing about how it impacts your physical and mental health.

If you enjoyed this story, please consider reading a couple of others I wrote about my time in Puerto Vallarta.

You can follow me and read all my stories and those of thousands of other writers. Please follow this link https://marciagagecontentwriter.medium.com/member It only takes a minute! Thank you.

Marcia Gage currently resides with her husband in downtown Minneapolis. She has four adult sons and five grandchildren. Marcia is an AWAI Certified Copywriter and a member of International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance (ITWPA). She specializes in travel, wine, CBD and alternative health, psychology, and self-help.

Her background is in Education and Development. She holds an MS in Psychology. In addition to writing, she loves reading, music, gardening, and baseball. Follow her on Facebook here.