Have you heard of “Blue Mind”? This theory is flooding social media and promises happiness and serenity with proximity to water, which has impacted wellness and tourism trends significantly
tourism industry. Hotels worldwide are introducing innovative water-based treat- ments and activities. From hydrothera- py pools in Italy, via massages on the tur- quoise sea in St. Barts, to anti-gravity yoga in the Maldives, “blue mind” is be- coming a key element of the offers of lux- ury spas. Why do we need blue more than ev- er before? In this era of digital overbur- dening, our Blue Mind is constantly un- der threat. We’ve replaced strolling on the beach with doomscrolling, sea breez- es with air conditioners, and swimming with endless streaming. But the good news is that there’s a simple solution: find water! It doesn’t have to be an ex- otic island or a fancy infinity pool – it’s enough to take a riverside walk, indulge in a long bath or even create a play- list with wave sounds to listen to when you feel overwhelmed by the urban cha- os. As Nichols himself says, “We’re only just starting to discover the true cogni- tive, emotional, psychological and social benefits of healthy water and oceans”.
T here’s a reason we’re drawn to the sea and fantasise about lake houses and rooftop pools, and why the sound of waves can slow the pulse fast- er than any guided meditation. It’s not just an issue of aesthetics – it’s all about science. Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols coined the term Blue Mind to describe a state of mental peace and clarity that’s induced by being in or near water. It’s that feeling of serenity that you get as you observe the ocean, the inexplicable calmness felt when floating in a swim- ming pool, or the deep sigh that you ex- perience as you watch raindrops form cir- cles on the surface of a lake. In a world that bombards us constantly with noti- fications, deadlines and existential cri- ses, water is the closest thing we have to
a reset button. Water also has an incred- ible effect on us neurologically. Research shows that the mere presence of water reduces cortisol levels, slows breathing and activates the parasympathetic nerv- ous system—the body’s natural signal that we are safe. In contrast to the over- burdening nature of city life, water al- lows our brain to take a break. That’s why we seek it out instinctively whenever we want to think, heal, or simply escape. And then there’s the colour blue itself. Psychologists have long associated it with calmness, trust and stability. It ex- plains why the sky and the ocean give us a sense of perspective. Blue is the colour of vastness that’s devoid of threats; open- ness without anxiety. This phenomenon is nothing new when it comes to wellness programmes, but it is now gaining special importance in the
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