Blue Space

Have you ever felt at peace when you're walking along the sea? A sense of rejuvenation when you stand by a waterfall, river or by a breathtaking lake?

"Water is considered the elixir and source of life. It covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface, makes up nearly 70% of our bodies, and constitutes over 70% of our heart and brains" ."This deep biological connection has been shown to trigger an immediate response in our brains when we're near water. In fact, the mere sight and sound of water can induce a flood of neurochemicals that promote wellness, increase blood flow to the brain and heart and induce relaxation. Thanks to science, we're now able to connect the dots to the full range of emotional benefits being on, in, or near the water can bring" asserts Nichols in his book, Blue Mind.

Research has found that 'blue space' including sea, rivers or lakes can have a positive impact on wellbeing.

One of the psychological effects we're most aware of when we're by the sea, lakes, or rivers and waterfalls is a feeling of awe. There's just something about the beauty and vastness of a natural scene that has a profound impact on the way we feel.

Looking at water and listening to its sound puts our overloaded minds into a relaxed and hypnotic-like state with the benefit of this being a different way that our brain processes thoughts, leading to more calm and creative states and an increase our well-being.

Some scientists refer to the sounds of water as "white noise," in which we can hear any number of things and we are able to let go of our thoughts and let the noise wash over us. In listening to these sounds during meditation, we learn how to be present in the moment and directly experience things as they are instead of getting lost in rumination.

Not only does being near water increase your sense of well-being, but being submerged in a natural source of water such as the sea or a lake invigorates your body greatly. The differing temperatures add benefits from both sides - the natural, cold chill can provide a soothing treatment for your nerves and refresh the body both mentally and physically while warmer waters during the summer can help relax muscles and tensions.

Notwithstanding, the effects of positive and negative ions on our well-being have been considered a natural influence on how we feel.
Positive ions are emitted by electrical appliances such as computers, microwaves and hairdryers that drains us of our natural energy whereas negative ions are generated by waterfalls, oceans waves, and thunderstorms.

The rich amount of negative ions in the atmosphere accelerate our ability to absorb oxygen, balance levels of seratonin (the chemical linked to mood and stress), and contributes towards rejuvenating the mind and improving alertness and concentration.

If you're looking to clear your head then search for some blue space -water has a powerful influence on the brain and can help change your mental clarity, capacity, happiness, and well-being.

With love and light,

Soph and Ellie xx

Sources: guardian, Marchal, J. "Science Explains How Staying Near Water Can Change Our Brains"

Wallace, N. "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"