Posted on 07/23/2014 5:17:54 PM PDT by nickcarraway
A new book sets out to answer some big questions about the brain and bodies of water. "Blue Mind" explores why so many of us are drawn to the ocean, and how this scientifically connects to our health and happiness, CBS News correspondent Ben Tracy reports.
Most of us know that feeling of calm we get when we are on, in or just near the water.
"This is what you want if you're in the midst of a stressful week," said Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist and conservationist who lives near the central coast of California. "You just want to hit that big blue reset button and get out here."
Nichols spent much of his professional life trying to protect endangered sea turtles. Now he's exploring the scientific reasons for why humans have such a deep connection with the deep blue.
"There are all these cognitive and emotional benefits that we derive every time we spend time by water, in water or under water," Nichols said.
The marine biologist dubbed it our "blue mind," the mildly meditative state our brains enter when exposed to water.
Initially, Nichols was apprehensive that people would dismiss him as a California beach-lover, but he attests that his thesis is scientifically backed.
"Once you get into it, you realize that it's chemistry, it's biology, it's physiology. It's deeply personal but it's also strong science," Nichols said.
The science is still evolving, but Nichol's work is getting plenty of attention. He began hosting "blue mind" seminars that are attracting neurologists and psychologists from around the world.
Brain imagining indicates that proximity to water floods the brain with feel-good hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin. Levels of the stress hormone cortisol actually drop. Scientists have also discovered that the brain prefers the color blue above all others and water increases our ability to focus.
"Our response to water is deep," Nichols said. "It's human, it's about life and it's about survival."
In fact, our bodies consist of about 60 percent water and our brains, a whopping 75 percent.
"So when you see water, when you hear water, it triggers a response in your brain that you're in the right place," Nichols said.
From rafting to kayaking to surfing, water therapy is increasingly being used to treat a variety of ailments, including wounded veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress and depression.
"I think connecting public health to a healthy ocean is critical," Nichols said. "It helps you relax, just literally sucks the stress out of your body and out of your mind."
So the next time you gaze into that blue horizon, you'll know that feeling you get really is all in your head.
Ha...you don’t live in Oregon.
I live 45 minutes from the ocean. When I’m stressed out that’s where I go, the sound the smell the sun.....it’s very relaxing.
A lake getaway is great too.
I’m 8 miles from the beach, but I have a nice pool with a lake just beyond the pool. I love the water... ocean, bay, lakes, rivers... they’re all good. I like the birds and life that’s around the water too.
The sound of the ocean is music to my ears. The smell of the ocean is stimulating. The sensations from the ocean are like a full body massage.
I live 3 blocks from the Pacific, and it is very relaxing, even though it is a constant roar.
Living in the desert, I get my biggest water fix when I sit on the stool.
I do like seeing the rushing water. I also like to sun myself for at least a twenty minute period. I think of the sand turtle as my model.
Bump!!
No ocean beaches around, but soaking in the hot tub, gazing at the Montana night sky is bliss.
ping
“Can Simply Being Near the Ocean Wash Away Stress?”
Having grown up within earshot of the ocean, the smell of the ocean, spent my youth with fishing pole in hand on the beach, the offshore fishing barge, the all day boats, AND a lifetime working in the harbor then moving to, and living in the Inland Empire for the past 27 years I can assure all that indeed one can know the difference.
Yes simply being near the ocean does wash away stress.
Funny how the occupants of most of California’s oceanfront properties are screaming Leftists anymore. To the point one prefers the stress.
I have my own isolated little lake and cabin. Nearest dwelling is 3/4 mile away.
That must be nice, too! I love camping! I guess it doesn’t much matter if it’s a lake, a river, a brook, or the ocean...they all make me relax!
“Deep calls to Deep”
Psalm 42:7
In a month, I will be sitting on my balcony watching the waters of the inside passage slip by.
Peaceful.
It does for Me...
As a kid oh those many moons ago this old dude was transplanted to the south shore of Long Island two blocks from the Ocean becoming a beach rat and later Life guard where I breathed, inhaled the salty air and sea until all became a part of me Forty three years ago I relocated to a small abode surrounded by Peconic Bay Tidal waters beaches less than 100 yards away in all directions. My Daily bathe in these waters is and has been a second Baptism and Miraculous stress dissipater and I would not live anywhere else.
Can’t afford a house on the beach so I now live in a boat in the harbor. I’d say it’s cut way down on stress. Plus, no lawn to mow.
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