To Inspire:

Despite being born and raised in Central Ohio, around ponds and creeks, I’ve always had an affinity for the ocean. I didn’t even see an ocean – the Atlantic – until my first visit to the East Coast when I was 16 years old. As an adult, I love being near the ocean and being in the ocean, and I just discovered the calm I feel around the ocean is a phenomenon called “Blue Mind.”

Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols says Blue Mind is when being close to water inspires positive emotional states including calm, relaxation, creative thought, and more restful sleep. Recent studies have linked natural or constructed water features with mood improvement and a sense of inner restoration.

And while the scientists call this effect Blue Mind, and refer to aquatic environments as “blue spaces,” this effect can be caused by water in any color, shape, or form, including lakes, rivers, ponds, or even man-made water features.

The importance of fresh water for our physiological health is clear. The role water plays in our psychological health is less obvious, but there are definite ways our affinity for water shows. Aquatic environments are a frequent aspect of people’s favorite place and preferred vacation destinations. Water also figures largely in recollections of positive childhood activities. Studies show people are willing to pay more money for houses with views of water, and hotels are happy to charge us more money for rooms with an ocean view.

Here’s why that ocean view room might be worth the money. Studies show brain chemistry changes around water. Water can impact neurotransmitters known to impact mood in a similar way to how they change during meditation. Nichols says, “The best way to handle stress may be to get to the closest beach.”

If you can’t get away, even a soak in the bathtub can get you in touch with water’s calming properties. A white noise machine featuring ocean, rain, or other water sounds can also help. Or look online for pictures of ocean or other aquatic photography. Just looking at pictures of water can help set your mind on a more peaceful path.

If you’re reading this on April 11 or 12, know that – assuming everything goes to plan – I (Michelle) am currently on an ocean liner viewing some of the fjords of Norway, including Lysefjorden (pictured above). Refilling my soul with all the calm and inner restoration the North Sea and the scenic Norwegian coastline has to give. I hope you have some calming water in your life too.

Written by Michelle O’Brien, Manager of Marketing & Communications