People urged to go green and blue this festive season

Waterways Ireland, in partnership with four local authorities, has launched a new winter 'Make a Connection' campaign to encourage people to go green and blue this festive season and enjoy connecting with the outdoor spaces of the Royal Canal Greenway to reduce stress and boost overall wellbeing in the winter months.

Studies show that simply spending time in nature may be one of the best — and most accessible and cost-effective — ways to boost your mental health and reduce your stress, quickly. And as a double boost to wellbeing, some studies have also found that being around water has similar positive benefits. The blend of both blue and green space, such as that the Royal Canal Greenway offers, may help ease anxiety and relieves stress, according to a team at King’s College London.

The new research also shows that walking along a canal or riverbank can boost your mental health.

A study of nearly 300 people revealed that walks along bodies of water led to significant improvements in well-being and mood. Out of the 299 participants, 87 were living with mental illness.

The “Make a Connection” campaign has been launched by Waterways Ireland in partnership with Westmeath County Council, Kildare County Council, Longford County Council and Meath County Council.

Further research shows that spending at least 120 minutes a week outside and in nature can promote better health and overall well-being. And even better, the activity does not matter – whether you are physically active or just relaxing, the act of being outside is what matters.

A representative from Waterways Ireland – said: “Since launching, the Royal Canal Greenway has played an important role in providing a place for people to re-energise and de-stress.

“We know that from research there is a positive association between encountering green spaces, wildlife, nature, bodies of water such as canals and rivers, and mental wellbeing.

“The 130km canal route has an abundance of trees, plants and wildlife which means it’s capacity to improve mental wellbeing is likely to be due to the multiple benefits associated with both green and blue spaces, and indeed the social, community connection with other people.

“Approximately 22km of the Greenway is set in County Meath, with access points at Enfield, Longwood and Hill of Down. Storyboards and map-boards at the access points guide you along the way, with picnic areas and benches to pause and enjoy your surroundings.”