Blue Mind Theory 0 Comments

Theory of Mental Well-being Connected to Water

We already talked about it in the article "The sea as source of medicine", where we described the sea as a treasure chest of valuable benefits, many of which are still unknown. Water – whether from the sea, lake, river, swimming pool, or even a bathtub – can make us feel calmer, increase our well-being, stimulate creativity, and bring benefits to both mental and physical health.

The Blue Mind Theory, or "the theory of mental well-being in relation to water", describes that slightly meditative state that people fall into when they are near, in, under, or on water. Blue Mind is a state of peace and serenity brought on by contact with aquatic environments, which stimulate what scientists call "involuntary attention": a relaxed yet alert mental state.

• Dopamine, the feel-good hormone;
• Serotonin, known as the happiness hormone;
• Oxytocin, also called the cuddle hormone;

The colours, sounds, and sensations of water reduce heart rate and promote a sense of calm, because letting your gaze wander over a body of water is a sure source of wonder.

Here are some simple ways to connect with this state of mental well-being:

• Admiring and listening to the sea: the sight and sound of waves breaking on the shore create a relaxing atmosphere and help reduce stress and anxiety. Marine environments naturally promote a state of tranquillity and inner peace.
• Breathing in the sea air: sea air clears the airways, bringing relief to the lungs, allergies, sinusitis, and respiratory conditions like asthma.
• Swimming mindfully: swimming has an effect similar to yoga—gentle movements, deep breathing, and stretching combine to induce a soft meditative state.
• Soaking in a warm bath: water balances the sympathetic nervous system (which activates “fight or flight” in the face of danger) with the parasympathetic system (which encourages “rest and digest”), bringing the body back to a natural state of calm.
• Watching an aquarium: just watching an aquarium for at least 10 minutes can significantly lower blood pressure and heart rate. It’s no coincidence that aquariums are often found in doctors’ or dentists’ waiting rooms—they bring calm.
• Drinking water: even a simple glass of water can reduce anxiety and fatigue, improve reaction time, and enhance concentration.

After discovering how beneficial water—and the sea in particular—can be for both mind and body, we can only applaud those who choose to spend their holidays at the Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites. The sea-view rooms offer a constant immersion in the marvellous colours of the gulf, different at every hour of the day thanks to the sky and, above all, the winds, as we described in the article "The Blue and the Winds of the Sea of ​​Golfo Aranci".

"When you see water, when you hear water, your brain triggers a response that tells you you're in the right place." (Wallace J. Nichols)

Written by Daniela Toti