Research by mentalhealth.org.uk in the UK and the American Psychological Association in the US show the health and mood benefits of being in nature. There are now many research studies including doctors across the globe, prescribing nature as medicine, which show the power of spending time outside.
For as long as I can remember, being by water and walking in forests, calms me. I might be by a lake, the sea, a waterfall or a stream, the impact and mediative state they create is the same.
Something magical happens within minutes of arriving by the sea. My shoulders lower and I instantly feel calm. There is a reason Seabreeze Coaching is connected to the sea! What I didn’t know, until this summer, is the state created by being by water has a name. It is called the ‘the blue mind.’
Wallace J Nichols, a marine biologist and author, wrote a book called ‘Blue Mind’. The book’s full title is ‘Blue Mind: The surprising science that shows how being near, in, on, or underwater can make you happier, healthier, more connected, and better at what you do’. For me, now knowing science and positive impact of water, it makes so much more sense to why I feel its benefits!
In 2019 Property Wire’s research showed that more than half of the UK residents want to buy a home near the coast. With the benefits to health and life, you can understand this statistic!
Nichols’s book focuses on the proven scientific evidence that being close to bodies of water promotes mental health and happiness. In it, he explores and explains how, “People can experience the benefits of the water whether they’re near the ocean, a lake, river, swimming pool or even listening to the soothing sound of a fountain.” Being by water has the impact of setting our bodies and minds into a relaxed state, one of ease. Ever wondered why you might have some of your best ideas in the shower?
The shower can also have the same effect as being by a lake or the sea. Nicolas in a Huffington Post article explains that as you, “step in the shower, you remove a lot of the visual stimulation of your day. Auditorily, it’s the same thing—it’s a steady stream of ‘blue noise.’ You’re not hearing voices or processing ideas. You step into the shower and it’s like a mini-vacation.”.
The book explores the impact of water and how it can ease anxiety or energise. On the other side is the Red Mind which is connected to anxiety, over-connected and an over-stimulated state.
Did you know that being in nature:
- improves your physical and mental health
- improves your mood
- reduces anxiety
- gives you thinking space and adds creativity
- helps you take time out and feel more relaxed
- reduces feelings of anger or stress
I love the calmness of the ‘blue mind’ state and thought you might like to know about it too! I’m wondering if there is also a ‘green mind’ by having a preference of open green spaces rather than by being by water?
It is interesting that other forms of calming in nature, use the language of water to relax too, such as forest bathing. Forest bathing is the art and science of how trees can promote health and happiness. Originating in Japan by Dr Qing Li, forest bathing can reduce your stress levels and blood pressure, strengthen your immune and cardiovascular systems, boost your energy, mood, creativity, and concentration, and even help you lose weight and live longer.
Let me know if finding out about the benefits of the ‘blue mind’ and the benefits of spending time in nature has been helpful for you via hello@seabreezecoaching.co.uk or follow me on Instagram @seabreezecoaching to direct mail me.
