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I am sitting at our campsite’s picnic table on the coast of California, just north of San Diego. About 50 feet down from the campground, I can see surfers taking advantage of today’s perfectly curling waves. Coming from landlocked Utah, everything here has me mesmerized. The sound of the waves rolling in. Watching them barrel over as they get close to shore. Voices carrying up to me from the beachgoers below. Happy sights and sounds everywhere I look. I realize that today I’m living the idyllic image of RV life; with the ocean perfectly staged as our RV’s backdrop.
It’s what people who dream about RVing envision RV life is like—even though anyone experienced knows not every destination is a perfect Instagram picture. But, today is. Thanks to all the beautiful blue surrounding me, the stress I felt before we arrived is washed away. Days like this are why we RV.
Today, my brain is on blue.
I’m certainly not surprised by these feelings, and I’m sure you’ve likely experienced something similar near water, too. There’s a term for this: Blue Mind. It was coined by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols in a book he wrote by that very name. Blue Mind, according to Nichols, is the state we get in when we’re near a body of water—whether it’s an ocean, lake, river, or any other water form that draws us to it. It’s like a switch flips when you’re near water, and suddenly you feel calmer, more relaxed, with an almost meditative mindset.
I’m sure this isn’t surprising, as it’s something we all sort of know water does to us; but perhaps haven’t thought much about. Just look at how competitive the campsites along the edge of any body of water are. Or how much real estate values increase for homes directly on the water. Or the cost of hotel rooms with ‘waterfront views’.
Sitting here, I just spent way too much time down a rabbit hole researching where the human-water connection comes from. I couldn’t find one easy, clear answer, but I did find a lot of potential clues. Perhaps it has something to do with spending the nine months before we’re born in the watery environment of our mother’s womb. Or maybe it’s the whole like-attracts-like thing; since we’re mostly water ourselves. Or perhaps we can point to the slit and arches found in human embryos, similar to the gill slits and gill arches of fish. Science supports the idea that humans share an evolutionary common ancestor with fish; so…maybe? No matter where the hardwiring for enjoying water-proximity comes from, it’s good we have it. It is genetically advantageous for us to be attracted to water, since being near it has many health benefits.
Being Near Water is Good for You
Take a moment and close your eyes. Imagine yourself sitting by a body of water–any that pops in your head. Perhaps you’re in a comfy chair on the beach, on a warm sunny day. Hear the rhythmic sounds of the waves as they hit the shore. Feel the sun’s warmth. Soak it all in. Aren’t you a little calmer just imagining it? That feeling is a taste of some of the mental health benefits, identified by science, that water evokes.
Research shows being near water gets you in a healthier headspace. Happiness levels elevate. Stress and anxiety lower. Problem-solving and creativity get a big boost. On the physical side, time by the water can lower your blood pressure and heart rate. There’s even evidence it boosts your immune system, as well as your quality of sleep.
It’s nice to know that just the act of me being here by the ocean, I’m doing something beneficial. But, the personal trainer in me can’t help but recognize there’s a big problem with calling this healthy; the sitting part. Sitting for brief periods is fine, but sitting for too long isn’t something our bodies like all that much, no matter how healthy the setting itself is. Fortunately, water offers up lots of ways to get exercise, like swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, etc. But those all require getting in (or on) it. And as much as we’re attracted to water, not everyone enjoys being in it. That’s why walking alongside it, or my personal favorite—bicycling along a beach boardwalk—are popular water-centric activities, no entering the water required.
Finding Your Own Blue Mind
When discussing his book Blue Mind, Nichols likes to ask people, “What’s your water”? It’s a ‘guided discovery’ sort of question (nod to you wonderful teachers). His question essentially encourages people to contemplate their own relationship with water. It’s a great question, and one I spent a lot of time thinking about. I realized that every single one of the water sources that were popping into my head were past RV destinations.
As I wondered about that, here’s something that struck me. Our love of water is an indefinable thing, and the reasons why so many of us travel to be near the water can be hard to articulate. It’s not a tangible thing that draws us to the water’s edge. It’s a feeling.
Maybe it’s as simple as the color blue itself, and how it makes us feel tranquil. Or how water welcomes us to let go, offering to carry our weight for as long as we’ll let it. Whatever it is, it never fails. As you drive over the horizon and finally see the blue waves sparkling, your mind says, “Oh look, there’s the water.” And just like that, you’re lighter.
So, so true! Sophie and I are lucky enough to live in Maine, so we have access a varied coastline and no matter how many times we have been on the ocean, it’s such a great feeling! Love coastal hikes, walks, and sea kayaking! EKKOME just got back from Newfoundland, so talk about a major dose! Good for the soul and anything that ails you!
How wonderful you can get a dose of blue so easily! Maine is such a beautiful state. Camping right on the ocean in Maine is one of my fondest RV memories. ❤️
Stefany,
I have been reading your writings for some time now. I consider this article to be among your very, very best. Thank you.
Q: Around Blue, does James’s need to mod melt away?
So kind, thank you! I credit the magic of water— it’s a lovely topic to ponder.
As for your question— absolutely, 100% yes! But, keep James off sand, his nemesis— otherwise all water benefits are washed away and he’s a big stressball. 😉