Mindfulness: Blue Mind vs Red Mind

Picture the beach with the blue waters lapping the shore and one’s mind instantly feels at ease. It’s something all of us can relate to, but did you know the phenomenon has a name? It’s called Blue Mind.

This spontaneous sense of Zen-like calm, being in the moment, was first popularised by marine biologist Dr Wallace Nichols, who studied the connection humans have with the blue waters. The author of the 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’ believes that we derive several cognitive and emotional benefits when we spend time near water or underwater. Nichols explains, “We are drawn to water, because we come from, and are still largely made of water.  The human body is about 60 per cent water, and the brain is 75 per cent water. When you see water, when you hear water, it triggers a response in your brain that you’re in the right place.”

Scientific evidence supports this theory. Imaging techniques such as CT, PET, and MRI scans have shown that proximity to water increases levels of certain feel-good hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin, while lowering the stress hormone cortisol. It also enhances the brain’s ability to focus.

Blue vs Red Mind

When a person is in a challenging situation or “survival mode” they produce more of the stress hormone and this is known as the red mind, as opposed to the relaxed state of the blue mind. Nichols has described how this works when we find ourselves near water. “Because bodies of water change and stay the same simultaneously, we experience both soothing familiarity and stimulating novelty which is regularity without monotony. This is the perfect recipe for triggering a state of involuntary attention in which the brain’s default network essential to creativity and problem-solving gets triggered.”

The Grey Mind

Adults, teens as well as preteens are all guilty of spending too much time glued to the screen. Lethargy, mental and physical, is characterised by a feeling of dullness, which Nichols terms the “grey mind”. To counteract this lack of motivation and dissatisfaction, one can get closer to water, whether it is taking a swim or even standing by the pool to feel uplifted and improve one’s mood.

Water supports psychological wellbeing

Whether it’s a shower or a swim, the activity can help us feel relaxed and less anxious. In scientific terms, the water washing over us can lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Large water bodies release elevated levels of negatively charged ions, which is believed to result in increased alertness and mental clarity, thus lifting our spirits. Indulging in a hot shower before bedtime can result in more restful sleep. We have all at some time or the other had a bright idea or an epiphany strikes us in the middle of a shower, which is stimulated by our relaxed state of mind.

Simple ways to experience a blue mind

Going for a swim is a great way to relax, while deep breathing and focus on stretching increases present moment awareness. Being in the flow achieves an involuntary meditative state. Meanwhile, a shower takes one from the fight and flight mode to a restful mode effortlessly. If you have an aquarium, just gazing at it for 10 minutes can help in lowering blood pressure, according to studies. One can also plan a weekend trip to the beach with family and friends to recharge and refresh. Staying hydrated and remembering to drink enough water also promotes positive mental health.

Ultimately, once we are in a state of calm, we tend to focus better and connect to the world around us more mindfully and with clarity. The Blue Mind is therefore the perfect antidote to the Red Mind or the overstimulated state of mind that is typical of modern life.