When temperatures climb, many people head to the water to cool off – a great idea and just one of water’s many benefits.
Here’s what research tells us:
🌊People who live near the ocean report feeling less stress and better health than those who don't. Even if you live far from the ocean, spending time near any body of water, including a pool or fish tank, helps us feel calmer. Even just looking at images of water helps.
Marine biologist, Wallace J. Nichols, (author of "Blue Mind"*) says, “Water…covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, makes up nearly 70% of our bodies, and constitutes over 70% of our heart and brains. This deep biological connection has been shown to trigger an immediate response in our brains when we’re near water…the mere sight and sound of water can induce a flood of neurochemicals that promote wellness, increase blood flow to the brain and heart and induce relaxation.” *Nichols defines Blue Mind as "a mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment" that's triggered when we're in or near water.
He describes water as the antidote to “red mind,” a state of anxiety created by increased urbanization and near-constant reliance on technology. The American Psychological Association reports that just under 50% of adults and 90% of young adults have become “constant checkers,” always engaging with screens and social media, significantly increasing levels of stress.
🌊Water also helps counter what Nichols calls “gray mind” — spending too much time inside, glued to screens, consuming news/entertainment, which can lead to lethargy, lack of motivation, and dissatisfaction.
🌊 Being in, on, or near the water engages almost all of the senses, which helps reduce cortisol, countering stress, warding off depression and anxiety and improving our mood.
🌊 Being by water can induce a meditative state, which facilitates creativity. Just before a creative connection is made, the visual cortex of the brain relaxes and we enter a momentary calm alpha wave brain state. To increase the chances of having an insight, close your eyes, relax and clear your mind. University of Florida research found that people are less creative if they are over-aroused, feel socially uneasy or threatened. Dopamine, key for creativity, enables connections across multiple areas of the brain, including vision and imagination, and is released when you see stimulating/inspiring scenery – such as a beautiful body of water.
🥛In addition to being on, in or near water, get water in you – good hydration helps manage anxiety and build resilience. It has natural calming properties. Even if you're not experiencing anxiety, drinking enough water can create feelings of relaxation.
So, dive in – quite literally – and start generating more creative thoughts, stressing less and improving your mood.
Let us know how it works for you!
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