Would you change your vacation destination if you learned that being by water can help you refresh and clear your mind? Studies have shown that being around water calms our minds and our bodies. Something even as simple as a nice long shower or bubble bath, the simple act of being in water refreshes our minds. But I know personally, I have never stopped and thought “taking a long shower always helps me relax”, its just an unspoken truth. Wallace J. Nichols, has written a book about his belief that we all have a “blue mind” (a mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment) and it is triggered when we are in or near water. In Nichols book, Blue Mind: The surprising Science that Shows How Being Near, In, On, Or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, And Better At What You Do. he discusses 6 important benefits of getting in touch with your “Blue Mind”.
Benefits of tapping into your “Blue Mind”
- Water gives our brains a rest
- Water can induce a meditative state
- Water can inspire us to be more compassionate and connected
- A blue mind is a creative mind
- Exercise in or by water is good for our bodies and brains
Allowing yourself to unplug from work is one of the biggest challenges people face when they are on vacation. It is difficult to let go of phone calls, emails, and text messages from work because we fear that work will fall apart if we aren’t there 24/7. In order to fully enjoy the benefits of taking a vacation by the water, we need to let go over work for that short period of time and allow ourselves to embrace the benefits water provides for us.
Source: Why Being Near The Ocean Can Make You Calmer And More Creative. Carolyn Gregoir from the Huffington Post
