A recent study published in the journal Healthcare sheds light on the positive impact of nature and blue space activities on mental health in individuals with mental disorders. The study, titled “Two-and-a-Half-Year Follow-up Study with Freedom on Water through Stand-up Paddling: Exploring Experiences in Blue Spaces and Their Long-Term Impact on Mental Well-Being,” delves into the long-term effects of stand-up paddling (SUP) on mental well-being.
The study focused on a project called “Freedom on Water” initiated by Surf & SUP Denmark in 2020, which offers surfing and SUP activities for adults living with mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress. The project aimed to help participants experience nature and relax from their daily life challenges.
The research involved eight participants, including individuals with various mental disorders and certified SUP instructors. Through semi-structured interviews conducted two and a half years after the initial study, the researchers identified five main themes that emerged from the participants’ experiences with SUP.
These themes included SUP as a catalyst for broadening horizons, learning: a step out of the comfort zone, a break from diagnosis and rumination, connectedness to nature and peer groups, and a shift in mindset. Participants reported positive changes in their self-confidence, social integration, and overall well-being as a result of participating in the “Freedom on Water” project.
Overall, the study highlights the significant and life-changing impact of blue space activities, such as SUP, on the mental health and well-being of individuals with mental disorders. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating nature-based interventions in mental health treatment and support.
