Much of this post is heavily influenced by Wallace J. Nicols’ book, “Blue Mind”. If you’ve not read it yet, I’d recommend it. In fact, I would say it’s a must. Blue Mind transformed my understanding of the healing power of blue spaces on my mind and body and it made a lot of sense to me. I feel I kind of knew because I felt it. Yet if you’d asked me to explain it, it would be like trying to describe something nebulous or abstract. Wallace J. Nicols’ book pulls it all together. He also mentions Cornwall a fair bit.
It is with much sadness that I start this post by saying that Wallace passed away in 2024. His legacy is clear, pioneering and growing the Blue Mind movement. The message is clear: blue mind is imprinted in our brains and physiology. We need the sea and other bodies of water, it’s good for us.
Blue mind is the term adopted by Wallace J Nicols to convey the idea, and science, that being near water is beneficial for our physical health and wellbeing. Being on, in or near water places use into “a mildly meditative state characterised by calm, peacefulness, unity and general sense of happiness.” These words alone are beautiful and make me want to run to the water’s edge.
Blue mind is a stark contrast to other, heightened mental states, like red mind; something we are all too familiar with. Feelings of overwhelm and stress, coupled with the intensity and close quarters that comes with urban living. I don’t visit busy places often, although Cornwall can be pretty rammed in August. When I do, there’s only so much I can bear and for so long. This girl isn’t for London or city life; certainly not in the long term.
Red mind states are connected with higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Blue mind, on the other hand enjoys a close relationship with neurotransmitters like, serotonin, a mood leveller, dopamine (think pleasure and motivation) and endorphins which are our bodies natural painkillers and mood filters. We know from research that we can reap such benefits from spending time near bodies of water with the sea being a naturally powerful source of blue space.
Let’s dive a little deeper.
If you know me, you’ll know that I love a bit of science and make no excuses about geeking out about the brain and the nervous system.
This isn’t a biology lesson, I’m a psychologist after all but let’s check out some of the basics. The nervous system is made up of two strands – the sympathetic and the parasympathetic. Our sympathetic nervous system connects to our fight/flight function whereas the parasympathetic system has a more “rest and digest” function.
Our parasympathetic nervous system helps to maintain our bodily functions and promotes calm after stress. If our parasympathetic system is underperforming, we feel stressed. This is where blue mind comes in and it’s so clever. Being near water helps lower our heart rate and blood pressure. Not only that, science tells us it increases digestion, enhances metabolism and encourages insulin production. Hence the rest and digest reference.
Other physiological changes include increasing restorative sleep and recovery mode as blue spaces help with the release of sleep hormones. It can also assist levels of focus and concentration, and importantly, reduces the stress hormone, cortisol.
While it is amazing, when I think about it logically, it makes total sense. The sound and rhythm of the waves offers a calming cadence, even when looking at rough, stormy seas. The sea horizon holds our attention, giving what’s referred to as a “soft fascination.” Gazing at the horizon tells our minds to escape intense focused attention, affording better cognitive recovery and reducing mental fatigue. Basically, it’s a free mental refresh. Amen to that!
Shifting into blue mind alters our emotions because it changes our chemistry. Being alongside or in blue areas signals the release of serotonin, a mood stabiliser which helps steady and regulate our emotions. It’s why we feel mentally and emotionally lighter after a stroll on the beach, for example, as if our feelings are being held by a wide open space.
With dopamine in the mix too, it’s no wonder that coupled with this lightness is a feeling of increased motivation. When in blue mind, we are able to see novelty and beauty in our surroundings with our sense soaking up what is around us. It’s more likely, then, that creative ideas and clearer thinking emerge at this time, with planning and rehashing conversations becoming more possible.
I’ve mentioned how the sea can be a place to hold big emotions. I know I’ve found coastal running to be a saviour at difficult times, leaving me feeling less burdened compared to when I left the house. The problems don’t shrink by being in Blue Mind, I guess it’s the space around them that is bigger.
Experiencing and enhancing blue mind experiences offers respite from the constant “do” lifestyle and pressures we seem to face day to day. Being near water gives moments of just being where there isn’t a need to optimise something. We can all just sit and be, or stroll and wonder. It’s the perfect for us to connect with ourselves and our mind, without distraction.
I know not everyone lives by the sea, and feel much gratitude that I can step into blue mind most days. Obviously, anyone who resides by the coast can reap the benefits but you’ll be glad to know it’s not all about the sea.
There are other, realistic ways of embracing blue mind if you live inland or in a big built up city. Visiting local estuaries, lakes or walking by rivers is as beneficial. Research has shown that watching waves, even if you don’t live near the coast can help. I found this YouTube video (it’s 10 hours long) which does the job nicely.
Other small practices to enhance biological changes include leaving the headphones at home so your mind can wonder and you can be alone with your thoughts. Also, making the most of daylight hours, you don’t have to be out for long to feel the change.
Bringing the whole Blue Mind concept back to Cornwall, here the sea is a constant. Our whole coastline is surrounded by it. For many, coming to Cornwall is a destination, to live here means it’s a regularity. The ability to step outside and have a moment, watch the tide ebb and flow, is never lost on me. It’s not always peaceful, calm and serene either. The sea can be rough and unforgiving and we experience plenty of flat grey wet days here too. Even so, the benefits remain regardless of the conditions.
Living in Cornwall, blue mind becomes a repeated state of mind or being rather than a one-off or limited experience. There’s a reason why surfers are seen on the water, not always catching waves but just sitting and straddling their boards and why people just sit and watch the water. It’s more than an experience – it’s knowing that there is a place outside of you that creates more space and peace within.
If you are interested in knowing more, you can find Wallace J. Nicols’ book, Blue Mind here. I have another post, 8 Reasons Why Living by the Sea is Excellent for Your Health alongside the popular 12 Reasons Why I Live in Cornwall
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