Woman underwater symbolising emotional benefits of being in water.
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The Emotional Benefits of Being in Water

Water has always had a powerful effect on human emotions. Whether it’s the sound of waves, the stillness of a lake, or the feeling of floating, spending time in or near water seems to calm our minds and lift our spirits. In recent years, researchers have started to understand why this is the case—and their findings show that being in water can bring real emotional and mental health benefits.

Water as a Natural Healer

According to researchers, open water swimming—swimming in natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers, or the sea—has been linked to better mood, reduced anxiety, and even relief from depression. Their review found that many people report feeling emotionally refreshed and mentally clearer after swimming in nature. Cold water, in particular, is believed to help reduce stress hormones and increase feel-good chemicals like endorphins and dopamine.

1) Feel reset: emotional benefits of being in water

People who swim outdoors often say they feel “reset” afterward. The combination of physical movement, exposure to nature, and a break from screens or city noise creates a sense of peace that can be hard to find elsewhere.

Canals, Rivers, and Everyday Water Spaces

Even if you’re not a swimmer, simply being near water—like walking along a river, sitting by a canal, or watching a fountain—can have emotional benefits. Researchers studied people’s moods in real time as they visited urban rivers and canals. They found that even short visits to these spaces significantly improved people’s mood and reduced feelings of stress and anxiety.

1) Emotional benefits of being in water, even in urban spaces

What’s interesting is that these benefits weren’t limited to wild, remote places. Even city waterways helped people feel more relaxed and happier. This suggests that it’s not just the “wilderness” aspect of nature that matters—it’s the water itself.

Why Water Has This Effect

There are a few reasons why water has such a strong emotional impact. First, water is often associated with calmness and clarity. The gentle movement and sounds of water can have a meditative effect, helping to quiet racing thoughts and reduce mental overload. Humans have a deep, emotional connection to water, partly because it’s essential for survival but also because of the comfort it brings through sight, sound, and touch.

1) Mindful presence and emotional benefits of being in water

Second, being in water often requires us to slow down and be present. Whether we’re swimming, floating, or just wading in a shallow stream, we’re usually more aware of our bodies and surroundings. This kind of mindful attention is good for emotional well-being, especially in a world where we’re constantly distracted by technology and to-do lists.

Water and Social Connection

Water activities also often bring people together. Whether it’s a family trip to the beach, a group swim in a local lake, or even chatting with a stranger on a riverside bench, these shared experiences build social bonds. Spending time in natural settings can improve emotional intelligence, empathy, and feelings of connection to others. These are all important parts of emotional health. For children and adults alike, water can become a space not only for play, but for emotional expression, stress relief, and building meaningful relationships.

Nature and Emotions: A Powerful Combo

All of these benefits are even stronger when water is part of a natural environment. Nature itself supports emotional development by offering space for reflection, curiosity, and calm. When we combine water and nature—like a quiet walk along a forest river or a swim in the sea—we tap into one of the most powerful tools for emotional balance available to us.

Conclusion

You don’t need to be an athlete or live by the ocean to enjoy the emotional benefits of water. Even small moments—like dipping your feet in a stream, taking a walk by a canal, or listening to water sounds—can help improve your mood and reduce stress. In today’s fast-paced, screen-filled world, time spent in or near water offers a much-needed emotional reset. Whether you’re seeking peace, clarity, or just a break from daily life, water is a simple, natural way to care for your emotional well-being.

Written by Tinkara Clinc

If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.

Tinkara Klinc is a Trainee Psychologist who works with adolescents and young adults offering support sessions. She is interested in child development and family dynamics, and is also furthering her education in the field of Developmental analytical psychotherapy.

References:

Bergou, N., Hammoud, R., Smythe, M., Gibbons, J., Davidson, N., Tognin, S., … & Mechelli, A. (2022). The mental health benefits of visiting canals and rivers: An ecological momentary assessment study. Plos one, 17(8), e0271306.

Coxon, S. V. (2021). The social and emotional benefits of nature. Teaching Gifted Children (pp. 369–372). Routledge.

Overbury, K., Conroy, B. W., & Marks, E. (2023). Swimming in nature: A scoping review of the mental health and wellbeing benefits of open water swimming. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 90, 102073.

Wutich, A., Brewis, A., & Tsai, A. (2020). Water and mental health. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Water, 7(5), e1461.

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