Whenever you wade into the ocean on the seashore, lay by the lake and even cannonball right into a pool, you would possibly discover a sense of calm and happiness wash over you because the water does—that is Blue Thoughts Idea. Blue Thoughts Idea is at present trending on social media. The creator of the Blue Thoughts Motion, marine biologist Dr. Wallace Nichols, handed just a few months in the past. Though he by no means obtained to see the resurgence of his concept, we will honor him by diving into it head first.
Chinese language and integrative drugs skilled Dr. Elizabeth Trattner, a colleague and buddy of Dr. Wallace, has discovered the speculation to profit herself and her purchasers deeply, and he or she’s not the one one. “Individuals typically report emotions of awe marvel, and pleasure when within the presence of water, enhancing general happiness,” says Dr. Trattner—though which may not really feel like new data to you for those who’re a water bug your self. Belief us, there’s a bit extra to the Blue Thoughts Idea.
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What’s the Blue Thoughts Idea?
“The Blue Thoughts Idea means that being close to or in water can permit you to attain a meditative state and enhance your psychological well being,” explains productive wellness skilled and founding father of Cacti Wellness, Kira Jones Matousek. Dr. Trattner notes that research have proven that even 20 minutes of publicity can induce a way of calm.
“Blue Thoughts is the mildly meditative state folks fall into when they’re close to, in, underneath or on water. Water positively impacts the thoughts and physique, and the Blue Thoughts Idea supplies methods folks can use water to enhance their well-being,” explains Dr. Trattner. “Blue Thoughts Idea encapsulates the deep-seated connection people have with water, providing a framework for understanding why we really feel so good once we’re close to it and the way we will use this connection to higher our lives.”
Dr. Nichols popularized this concept in 2014 together with his ebook Blue Thoughts, which analyzes information that reveals the optimistic response water can set off within the mind. He “synthesized concepts from neuroscience, psychology and environmental science to develop this concept, which is supported by proof of our mind’s pure inclination in direction of water environments,” explains Trattner.
“It’s about recognizing the profoundly calming and therapeutic advantages that water has on our minds,” says Dr. Trattner. “Dr. Nichols describes it because the ‘shocking science’ behind the water’s means to enhance happiness, connection and creativity. He devoted his work to exhibiting us that our bond with water is not only about hydration or hygiene—it’s about nurturing our very essence and discovering peace in our typically hectic lives.”
The advantages of a blue thoughts
Reduces stress
Stress discount is the principle advantage of the Blue Thoughts Idea. Based on Dr. Trattner, “The presence of water has been proven to decrease cortisol ranges, which helps to scale back stress, despair and nervousness.” The meditative state water places us in also can produce extra feel-good hormones like dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin, says wellness skilled, breathwork artist and Alo Strikes teacher Kira Mae Kazuko. “Water may help handle feelings extra successfully, offering consolation and aiding in emotional therapeutic,” notes Dr. Trattner.
A method this would possibly manifest is that when close to, in or searching at an enormous physique of water, “we’re reminded that there’s something a lot bigger than us,” says Jones Matousek. “Moreover, the pure sounds and motion of water may be hypnotizing in a means and permit us to succeed in a meditative, calm state. Total, this may help us mentally reduce the impact of out of doors stressors in our life, mirror on our feelings and calm our minds and our bodies.”
Boosts creativity
Jones Matousek notes that having a second to immerse ourselves in nature and mirror on our feelings can, in flip, “assist us really feel extra grounded, artistic and linked.” Dr. Trattner agrees, noting that water environments are recognized to encourage creativity and assist folks suppose extra clearly. “The calming impact of water permits for extra profound and reflective considering.”
Enhances general well-being
“Being close to water can enhance sleep high quality, decrease coronary heart fee, improve emotions of rest and supply a way of peace,” says Dr. Trattner. Moreover, Kazuko notes that water also can assist regulate our physique temperature and flush out toxins.
Tips on how to strive the Blue Thoughts Idea
The obvious option to develop into one with the Blue Thoughts Idea is by absolutely immersing your self in water. “Actions like swimming, kayaking or just strolling alongside the shore can deepen your reference to water,” says Dr. Trattner.
“Whether or not you watch the water from the shore otherwise you immerse your self utterly, you’ll probably really feel quick advantages,” says Jones Matousek. Dr. Trattner recommends training “mindfulness by observing water—watch the waves, discover the patterns of sunshine on the floor or hearken to the move of a stream. Let the sensory expertise of water floor you within the current second.” Moreover, Jones Matousek says you possibly can take the Blue Thoughts Idea additional by training deep respiration and optimistic considering whereas round water.
The Blue Thoughts Idea in cities
“There are numerous methods to combine the Blue Thoughts Idea into our lives day-after-day, regardless of the place we’re,” says Kazuko. “In the event you reside in a dense metropolis, you possibly can observe Blue Thoughts by giant fountains in a metropolis park or buying a small indoor fountain bowl in your appartment. The sound of the water dripping or watching it fall will immediately calm you down.” Moreover, “Merely water images, listening to water meditation music or watching water movies on YouTube will evoke the Blue Thoughts Idea too.”
Kazuko additionally recommends intentional showers, baths or chilly plunges the place you deal with the water in your physique to assist combine the tactic into your life. Chilly plunges get loads of credit score for his or her advantages, however “heat water can also be a good way to sign to your mind and physique that it’s time to wind down because it helps your physique temperature drop earlier than mattress, leading to a extra calm and restful sleep,” notes Jones Matousek.
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