Words by Lydia Paleschi

Last year we were fortunate to sit down with academic and marine biologist Wallace J Nichols, author of Blue Mind. Nichols’ work has been pioneering in its ability to help people articulate the impacts of spending time near, in, on or under water and has been a huge source of inspiration for us and many others that advocate spending time in blue spaces. In our conversation we were excited to learn about why it’s important to access blue spaces, how this impacts the human psyche, how this in turn influences environmental conservation efforts and how using ‘blue mind’ to give back to people and planet can help us to benefit both as individuals and as a species. Plus, about Nichols’ latest project, which explores the interconnectedness between humans. An enlightening discussion which we learnt plenty from and thoroughly enjoyed, we hope that you find value in discovering more about ‘blue mind’ and how to access it, even if you don’t live near natural bodies of water.

The positive impacts of blue spaces can be felt by anyone, anywhere, as long as they’re interacting with clean, safe and healthy water. Having noticed this on a personal level, in those around him and through his work as a marine biologist, Wallace J Nichols sought to learn more about the link between humans and the marine environment. Soon it became clear to him that the literature was lacking and after years of research, including bringing together leading neuroscientists and water people, Nichols created an analysis of the relationship between “the complex brain and the simple element of H2O”. The result was his book Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. Published in 2014, Blue Mind has since become an important foundation to the information available surrounding the way humans interact with water on a psychological level. It has been a key step in understanding why it is that many of us feel instinctively calmer when within close proximity to the ‘blue stuff’, a theory which Nichols has since coined ‘blue mind’.

Blue Mind Theory

Today, many people have heard of blue mind theory. Many of those who haven’t, have experienced the transformative impacts of spending time near water nonetheless. According to Nichols, spending time near, in, on or under the water can help us to lead happier and healthier lives in a number of ways because it has a physical effect on the human condition. Lower stress and anxiety levels, an increased sense of overall wellbeing, lower breathing and heart rates, and providing a background for safer and better environments to work and exercise are some of its core concepts. However, Nichols also describes how it serves as an antidote to ‘red mind’, a state of anxiety and overstimulation and ‘grey mind’, a feeling of detachment, dissatisfaction and lethargy. 

In his book, Nichols explains that ‘red' and ‘grey’ mind are a by-product of “the new normal of modern life”. Whilst ‘red mind’ can be harnessed for good, as a driver of sorts through the activation of our flight or fight response, ‘grey mind’ can lead to burn out, disconnection and a reduction in creativity. He claims that maintaining a balance between ‘red’ and ‘blue’ mind offers us an opportunity to achieve optimum happiness, through maintaining an equilibrium between action and restoration, and that a ‘grey’ mind state should be avoided in its entirety. When we asked Nichols what his aims were when he decided to share this information, he told us that he hopes the concept of ‘blue mind’ becomes “common knowledge”. His goal is that ‘blue mind theory’ can be accessed and is available to all, so that it can be practiced widely and people around the globe can feel its positive effects.

Finding your water 

For some, the concept of spending time in blue spaces may seem difficult or even unobtainable. When we asked Wallace what his advice would be to those that don’t live within close proximity to water he enlightened us, claiming “Almost everyone has some sort of access.” He encourages individuals to carry out an inventory on the types of water available to them, which he separates into four broad categories: wild water such as natural bodies; urban water, which includes developed waterfronts or public fountains; domestic water including pools, tubs, showers and baths; and virtual water which can be found via poetry, writing, music, art and photography to name but a few things. “You might be surprised how much there is,” he comments, before adding that “the internet can be a great way for people to access blue spaces if they find it challenging to access healthy water in person. YouTube enables you to play the sounds of ocean waves for up to ten hours, or you can place photographs around your home, moving them intermittently so that they activate and reactivate your ‘blue mind’”.

From the ‘me’ to the ‘we’

In addition, Nichols tells us that “for those who do have easy access to blue mind it’s a good thing to take someone with you to the water”. He explains that not only does this add to the “ripple effect” of getting more people into blue spaces, but that “service and giveback” can help people to overcome fear. He cites how this can help individuals who are uncomfortable with the focus being on their own journey to healing feel more natural, and that giving back to others can help make the process easier. “I think it’s a necessary component, especially for organised programmes”, he explains. “For example, once you add in a beach clean or offer volunteer programmes to surf therapy, all of a sudden you accelerate the efficacy of the therapeutic part. This is because people focus on giving back, rather than shining too much of a spotlight on themselves”. 

Nichols also explains that supporting others in accessing the water can be a way for those who are more comfortable ‘near’ than ‘in’ the water to access their ‘blue mind’. “When it comes to organised programmes, there’s a big component that’s on the beach. Near the water, but not in it.” He expands, “Many important roles are ‘dry’, but being near the water can be extremely enjoyable. If you’re hanging out or volunteering on the beach, you may say: “Wow that doesn't look as scary as I thought. Those waves are pretty manageable and I want to try it.” It’s a gentle ramp.”

People and planet   

This “me to we” pivot not only relates to people, but has a positive impact on the environment too. Nichols has identified that ‘blue mind’ works in a way which helps nature. “When you take the example of getting more people swimming, you can imagine the individual and then environmental benefits”, he tells us. “People aren’t going to let bad things happen to the water and blue spaces that they’re accessing, when they know it’s saved their lives. There are beautiful regenerative elements when you start to understand this stuff”, he continues. “You realise, for example, that a river needs to be healthy for it to benefit us. And not just humans, but the animals and plants that call it home.”

Nichols also tells us that ‘blue mind’ can be used by organisations to both improve their work and have a positive impact on blue spaces. In particular, he believes that supporting people in understanding the link between the human and ecological health benefits that come with spending time near water can help to drive positive change. “I’d like to see any agency or organisation, business, campaign or movement to take a look at their mission and if blue mind science or practice can help them to do better”, he reveals. “Once we update legislation and mission statements to include the emotional, social and physical health benefits of clean water, we can begin to achieve more.”

Groove 

When we ask Wallace what he’s working on at the moment, he tells us about a project called ‘Groove’. “It’s the science of teams and looking closer at the concept behind the “me to the we””, he tells us. “So far, ‘blue mind’ tends to be a very individual and personal perspective on wellness and connection but we can see that through community it is enhanced.” Beginning with the science of ‘flow’, Groove is a study of the interpersonal biology which occurs between groups of people when they work together. Nichols has been working with neuroscientists to study how groups of people’s brains work collectively and to see how subtle, non-verbal communications are transmitted amongst team members. “I’ve been exploring that and what the five ingredients are that create groove” he tells us. “A book is part of the process and the science is really cool.” When we ask Nichols what he thinks the outcome of his latest project could be, he explains “As a species we’re not grooving at the moment and we need to get our groove back. Hopefully it can help us to understand how to work better together.”

Conclusion

Overall, it’s clear that over the past decade, our understanding of how humans interact with blue spaces and the theory behind it has been evolving. How it can be applied to and benefit us as individuals, a species and planet is becoming more apparent. Whilst it’s important to have an awareness of how it influences human psychology at different levels, the main thing we can do as individuals is to seek out and access more spaces where we’re surrounded by water. If you haven’t already, it may be worth carrying out an inventory of the blue spaces that are available to you in your local area. Even better, head there with a friend and notice how accessing your ‘blue mind’ can leave you and others feeling happier, more inspired and better at what you do, whilst also making a positive shift in the way we interact with the marine environment on an ecological level. 

Read: Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do.

Learn more about Wallace J Nichols work, including ‘blue mind’ and ‘groove’ via the website www.wallacejnichols.org.

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