The mental health magic of water
Photos by Erika Paige Barnette
by Hazra Khatoon
You probably know that swimming and other water sports are great for your physical health. But did you know that just looking at water, whether it's at the beach or in an aquarium, can also boost your mood and mental health? This idea is called the Blue Mind Theory.
Marine biologist Dr. Wallace Nichols came up with this concept, which shows how being around blue water can positively affect us. He wrote a book about it in 2014 about how this connection can have a deep influence on our lives.
Let's learn more about the Blue Mind Theory and how you can bring its benefits into your home or workplace.
What the Blue Mind Theory means
The Blue Mind Theory is the idea that being near water, or even just experiencing the sound of water and/or picturing it, can bring a person into a calmer state and boost their mood.
It is a meditative state people enter when they are in, under, on, or near water. Dr. Nichols explained that the "Blue Mind" helps counteract the "Red Mind," which is the anxious and burnt-out feeling many people have from modern life. That could look like the stressed-out feeling you get from school, phones, or just too much going on.
“According to this theory, water helps us relax, reduces stress, and boosts creativity and emotional health,” said Rachel Goldberg, LMFT, founder of Rachel Goldberg Therapy. “Some activities like walking on the beach, swimming in a lake, or listening to a fountain can have calming effects.” If you can’t get to the water, watching ocean videos on TikTok or Instagram (for a short time) could help. On a walk? Try skipping rocks into a creek with your friends.
This concept is related to biophilia, which translates to “love of life,” is our natural connection to nature. There is a growing trend of using urban blue spaces such as waterways, canals, lakes, ponds, and coasts to manage and mitigate mental health inequalities in the population.
How does being near water affect our brain to make us feel calm?
When you are near a large body of water, it can make you feel happier and more relaxed because the water releases negatively charged particles into the air. These particles help your brain produce serotonin, a chemical that boosts your mood.
“The effect of water increases dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin levels while reducing cortisol," said Dr. Nick Bach, a psychologist and CEO of Grace Psychological Services. “Moreover, the sound, color, and touch of water can lower the pulse rate and increase calmness.”
He has found that being around water can significantly enhance mental health. The rhythmic sounds of waves or flowing water can help to slow down our internal rhythms, which gives a state of relaxation. Try some of the water-centered playlists on Spotify before bed or after a stressful test.
Studies have shown that proximity to water can improve mood, lower heart rate, and increase feelings of happiness. Time spent near water helps you disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and ourselves.
Water environments have a unique ability to induce a meditative state, where the rhythmic movement of waves or currents can synchronize with our brainwaves to give mental peace and clarity.
Activities near water can help relax and increase happiness
According to Dr. Bach, there are numerous activities you can do near water to relax. “Swimming, kayaking, or simply sitting by the shore can be incredibly soothing.”
He personally enjoys paddle boarding as it combines physical activity with the tranquility of water. Even a simple walk along a beach or a lake helps him clear his mind and provide a sense of peace. Try dipping your feet in a pool or bath after a long day.
To maximize the calming effects of water, he recommends incorporating mindfulness practices. Focus on the sensory experiences: the sound of water, the feel of the breeze, the sight of the horizon.
He also suggests engaging in activities that allow for immersion in nature, like floating in the water or practicing yoga by the shore. “These activities can deepen the connection to the blue spaces and give more therapeutic benefits,” he explained. There are also float tanks in most major cities, which offer a unique opportunity to try the therapeutic benefits of water and sensory deprivation.
Try Blue Mind Theory to feel better
If you are someone who does reap benefits from being near water, you can incorporate water sounds into your daily routine if you can't physically be near water. With the sound playing, you can close your eyes and imagine yourself near water.
“Alternatively, you can seek out bodies of water, even if just a fountain at a mall, to be near while you carry out other tasks such as doing your school work, reading a book, journaling, or meeting with a friend,” said Dr. Dana Wang, a psychologist, and CEO of Rivia Mind.
You don't need to live near the ocean to benefit from Blue Mind Theory, as small changes can make a big difference. “Just adding some water features like fountains or aquariums to your home can create a soothing environment for you to live in,” Dr. Wang suggested.
Moreover, visiting local lakes, rivers, and even taking regular baths can provide similar calming effects. Dr. Wang recommends his clients to take short trips to nearby water bodies to recharge and reset.
Along with that, you can watch videos from channels like silent watcher and listen to kinds of music such as Nature Relaxation Films to feel relaxed. There are also other ways like viewing these breathtaking waterfall photographs that encourage you to visit these natural wonders in person.
Hazra Khatoon is an independent journalist with a Master’s degree in journalism, who writes about health, climate, tech, travel, and culture. Her work has appeared in Well+Good, Insider, Giddy, South China Morning Post, Sentient Media, StyleCaster, Discover, Evening & Standard, and Chatelaine, among others.
your contribution is tax-deductible
KEEP EXPLORING:
