The Blue Mind Theory explains why all surfers have the same”‘Sup duuude,” attitude. They are all so easy-going and care-free, sometimes it’s hard for the rest of us to relate.

And do you remember the sea turtle in Finding Nemo? He went around life as if nothing bothered him. He was content no matter the outcome.

Have you ever noticed that water sports people like swimmers, free divers, and rowers tend to be not only super fit, but also more in tune with their mental well-being than other athletes?

Or how you always seem to get your best ideas in the shower?

Science actually explains how this connection to the water impacts how our brains function and can even bring out these personality traits. This is the basis behind the Blue Mind Theory.

So what is Blue Mind Theory exactly?

The concept ‘Blue Mind’ originates from the book Blue Mind by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols. Since then, scientists have studied the validity of Blue Mind Theory and have concluded that water has amazing benefits for our health – more than just hydration.

Blue Mind – a mild meditatively calm brain state. This is the result of being in or around bodies of water such as the ocean, lakes, rivers, or even the bath.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, we have Red Mind.

Red Mind – essentially a high cortisol state. This is the state most of us operate in every day; we just don’t realize it. It is an over-stressed and over-stimulated response to our modern world of rushing from meetings to school to practices to dinner parties, etc. It is the definition of a distracted, preoccupied mind.

Red mind is considered in opposition to Blue Mind, which stimulates inner calm.

If we talk about these states in terms of nervous systems:

Red Mind = Sympathetic Nervous System (fight/flight/freeze)
Blue Mind = Parasympathetic Nervous System (res t& digest)

You can read more about nervous systems and how diving can impact them in this blog post.

Blue Mind is a scientifically proven theory supporting the idea that the presence of water changes your mental state. The change creates a calmer, clearer, and more regulated experience.

What does the science actually say?

By measuring changes in brainwave patterns, stress hormones, and brain imagery, we can detect changes in the mental state. Several studies have measured these changes when subjects are near various bodies of water. This is then compared to their base reading (Red Mind) when they are not near water.

Based on measurable scientific research, being around water changes the following:

*Brain Waves – Experienced meditators exhibit more Alpha brain waves than the average person when studied with an EEG. Studies found that people had more Alpha brain waves almost immediately when they entered an area with water, such as a waterfront promenade. This means on paper, being around water gives people the same experience as being in a mild meditative state. Now imagine intentionally meditating underwater.

What are the benefits of Blue Mind?

Being around water has serious benefits.

Ok, so the above is what we can study. These are measurable physiological changes that take place anytime we are around a body of water. But what does that actually mean? All of that measurable data means we physically change our brain state around water.

Here’s what people actually feel about their experience:

• Increased feeling of calm and inner peace
• Boosted creativity and problem-solving
• Enhanced sense of awe or wonder
• Heightened feelings of gratitude
• Less stress
• “Better ability to breathe”
• Feeling more connected to nature
• Feeling more connected to ourselves and others – improves social well-being
• Heightened empathy for our natural world, a greater. sense to care for our environment

How does this relate to diving?

Divers have the unique experience of being completely surrounded by water for up to 40+ minutes at a time. If these benefits are for people only being exposed to water, imagine how complete immersion in water affects you. Divers also have the added benefit of the mammalian dive reflex, which enhances the benefits. My next blog post will be all about this, so check back here for that!

Want to learn more? Check out the blog here to read about everything diving in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

For a more personal connection, join my newsletter.  On the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month, we’ll enjoy a virtual coffee together as I share underwater tales, Playa updates, and mindfulness advice for divers.

Looking for an even deeper personal connection? Check out the Mindfulness & Diving Facebook group for all things mindfulness and diving.

References:

https://neurosity.co/guides/blue-mind-theory-water-mental-restoration
https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wellbeing/a61834107/blue-mind-theory
https://iere.org/what-is-the-blue-mind-theory