Blue Mind Thinking

With winter upon us, it’s natural to retreat indoors in the cosy cocoon of our homes. But research is increasingly showing that spending time outdoors, breathing in the fresh air and feeling the sunshine on our skin despite the chill is, if anything, even more important in the dark days of winter than it is in the summer months. This is what is known as the blue mind state.

James Foot, on-the-water expert at Borrow A Boat, believes that this time outside can be enhanced by choosing to spend time on or near the water, and that doing this has a hugely positive effect on both our psychological and physical wellbeing.

What is the blue mind state?

James passionately believes that time spent by the water allows us to switch our mental state from an overactive ‘red mind’ state into a more contemplative ‘blue mind’ state and that this is vital to our wellbeing. He explains: “The term ‘blue mind’ refers to the meditative state we fall into when near, in, on or under water. Upon entering this meditative state, we increase our brain’s ability to be mindful, while boosting imagination and creativity. This is essentially the antidote to the anxious, over-stimulated state known as the ‘red mind’, that our brains are usually forced to function in thanks to the everyday stresses of modern life – constantly being connected and bombarded with information, trying to do too much at once and the pressure to succeed are all commonplace, but in the grand scheme of things, very modern phenomena.”

The benefits of the ‘green space’ have been much lauded over the last few years – as stressed-out city dwellers have flocked to local parks and more distant countryside to decompress, but water has also been a source of comfort and healing to man since the earliest of societies. A 2013 study on happiness in natural environments asked 20,000 smartphone users to record their sense of wellbeing and their immediate environment at random intervals. Marine and coastal margins were by far the happiest locations – with responses rating them around six points higher than an urban environment.

How blue spaces aid mental health

It’s no surprise then, that in our times of continuous connectivity, water and blue spaces are a powerful tool in helping us to heal ourselves and to detach from the increasingly connected and pressured everyday world. For example, the BlueHealth project creates ‘urban blue spaces’ to allow even the most landlocked of people to access the healing power of water. Their evidence shows that people who live near a major blue space are often physically healthier and have better mental health than those living further away.

James agrees, saying: “Being by the water can essentially provide a sedative to our overloaded minds and consequently can have a tremendous effect on both mental and physical health. Whilst we realise that, for many, being able to hop in the car and drive to the beach to reap the benefits of the blue mind might not be attainable, there are plenty of water-based activities that even those living in busy cities can enjoy.”

There are so many ways to enjoy the water, even in the coldest of months, here are a few of James’ suggestions to help access your blue mind and boost your mental and physical health this winter.

How to gain the blue mind state

Think active

It’s well known that exercise releases endorphins – our body’s happy drug – and what better way to reap the benefits of the blue mind than by getting active on the water?

One way to get fit and have fun at the same time is paddle boarding. Perfect for beginners, it’s surprisingly easy to learn, you can enjoy it on the sea, on lakes and lochs or on rivers meaning there are loads of places across the UK from city centres to seaside hamlets where you can hire equipment and give it a go. Because it works your body hard to maintain balance, using your back muscles, core, arms, and legs it offers a complete body workout. It’s also a low-impact workout, meaning it can help you increase your strength or recover from injuries, without putting any stress on your joints.

Think cold

Thanks to the fame of advocates such as Wim Hof and celebrities from the Beckhams to Ed Sheeran and Pru Leith splashing out on creating their own wild swimming lakes, wild swimming – swimming in a natural body of water, such as a pond, lake, river or in the sea – is currently undergoing something of a resurgence. Immersing the body in cold water boosts dopamine levels and increases the release of endorphins. Not only that but overcoming our natural resistance to getting into cold water can also help us to build mental resilience. As a result, there is growing evidence to suggest that it can help to improve mental wellness as much as physical health, to the extent that studies have suggested that cold water swimming may be an effective treatment for depression.

Immersing the body in cold water boosts dopamine levels and increases the release of endorphins.

There are plenty of wild swimming groups in the UK, so if you’ve been contemplating a wild swim, now’s the time to discover just how beneficial it can be. Many popular city-based lidos also host group winter swimming sessions for those wanting to test the waters with a more commonplace swimming experience.

Think social

Ever wondered why you feel more relaxed and energised after a coastal walk? This is because the negative ions in sea air accelerate your ability to absorb and balance your serotonin levels. If you’re lucky enough to live by the sea, or you’re able to travel there, the UK also offers some fantastic coastal walking routes, boasting the longest coastal path in the world at 870 miles long (but you certainly don’t have to walk this far to feel the positive effects of being by the water).

…the UK also offers some fantastic coastal walking routes

If the sea is out of reach, whilst winter might not be the time for a traditional riverside picnic, you can still socialise near the water in the colder months by wrapping up and catching up with friends at a café or restaurant overlooking a lake or river, or just take a walk and pack a warm snack or drink.  The good news is that just being near the water will ensure that you feel more relaxed and boost your mood.

 

Think deep

Exploring under the water might be the ultimate way to switch into your blue mind. Whether you’re practicing in your local pool or heading to a tropical paradise, scuba diving is a wonderful way to experience the water and offers numerous health benefits. During a dive, you tend to breathe in and out more slowly and deeply, therefore slowing your heart rate and promoting calm and, over time, even lowering your blood pressure.

Scuba diving is a wonderful way to experience the water and offers numerous health benefits.

As with so many water-based activities, diving is low impact and can help you gain core strength as well as general muscle strength and flexibility – because, as you navigate through the water your muscles tend to work harder due to the resistance of the water (and the current if you’re diving in the open sea). The more you dive and swim, the stronger your muscles become.

Think far

If you’d prefer a more traditional way of enjoying the water, you might want to think about taking a sailing trip. It’s true that blue skies and sun-soaked waters can provide an idyllic sailing experience, but there are so many reasons to enjoy a winter sailing trip. Whilst you will need to ensure you’re wrapped up warmly, winter is a fantastic time to explore the beautiful UK coastline and offers the chance to see a range of wildlife – think whales, seals, and sea birds – that you would miss at other times of the year.

If you’re keen to learn a new skill, you can head to a local water sports centre and learn to sail at any time of the year. Alternatively, if you want to relax and let someone else do the work, you could charter a skippered boat in the UK or abroad. Then you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the views whilst they safely navigate the waters.

Either way, you are embracing the blue mind state.

NorthernLife Jan/Feb 23