TikTok says that while it's always good to meditate, do yoga, or vent your frustrations in a journal, if you really want to relax and rejuvenate, get in the water. The viral "Blue Heart Theory" (with over 15 million views) states that being in or near water is the ultimate stress reliever.
Creator @ronjaedsmo's video on the subject asks the question: "Have you ever wondered why you seem to feel better when you're near the ocean?" According to Blue Heart Theory, it's because water can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, Helps you feel grounded and present, and promotes good sleep while improving your overall well-being.
In her comments, someone asked: "Is this why I always [want] to vacation near the beach?" Another wrote: "I feel so positive being by the sea. It just takes away my negativity ." Another joked that they love water because they're a Pisces, but added that it might be the Blue Heart Theory at play.
Having a "blue mind" next to a body of water seems like a very relatable experience - not to mention it's a great excuse to book a vacation. Below, therapists break down the latest TikTok buzz, all its benefits, and how to implement blue thinking at home.
What is Blue Heart Theory?
While social media has made blue thinking theory popular again, the term was originally coined in 2015 by marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, who realized that being in or near water could help your mind enter a calm, meditative state. state.
Blue Mind is a feeling of happiness that takes over your brain when you are at the seaside, floating in the pool, walking along the river or looking out onto the lake. That's why so many people like to gather near water when they need some rest and relaxation, says positive psychologist Reena B. Patel, LEP, BCBA.
She tells Bustle that a trip to the beach can be relaxing and restorative, although sometimes you just need to spend 20 minutes by a river, fountain, or a quick dip in the pool to experience the same effect. Once you understand the color blue, you should feel happier and more uplifted.
Benefits of water
The blue thinking theory makes sense — because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the beach? — but it’s also backed by science. Rachel Goldberg, MS, LMFT, therapist and owner of Rachel Goldberg Therapy, says researchers using functional magnetic resonance imaging to look at people's brains found that exposure to natural environments like water does reduce activity in the prefrontal cortex, which can Resulting in reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex. It is the cause of anxiety and overthinking.
Water features like a sparkling lake and sounds like crashing waves or bubbling rivers also help reduce the stress hormone cortisol in the body. "As cortisol levels decrease and activity in the prefrontal cortex decreases, the byproduct can be making people feel less anxious—at least temporarily," Goldberg tells Bustle.
She says blue vistas also release neurotransmitters in those who have fond memories and positive associations with water, like a childhood spent at the beach or community pool, which can boost your feel-good endorphins, which in turn can Boost your mood.
When you relax, your body exits the tense "fight or flight" mode and eases into a "rest and digest" state. According to Goldberg, this is when the parasympathetic nervous system takes over to regulate heart rate and relieve tension. Cut to you taking a nap on the beach.
That's why blue thinking is also said to improve sleep, she said. When your mind and body are relaxed, it's easier to fall asleep. Yes, that's why so many green noise and white noise machines sound like water.
How to get "blue thinking"
The best way to keep your blues in check is to head to a body of water like a beach and spend the day relaxing. Traveling outdoors has the added benefit of fresh air and sunshine, along with a fun, laid-back atmosphere that makes you feel at ease, says Patel.
Obviously, you'll feel relaxed when you're surrounded by warm Caribbean waters with a tropical cocktail in hand, but you can also get a similar blue-psyched effect by visiting a nearby lake, river, or swimming pool. If you can, take a dip in the pool and paddle until the stress is gone.
“For those who don’t have access to a body of water, there are also benefits to listening to the sound of water,” Goldberg said. "Recordings like the sound of ocean waves or rain can still activate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce prefrontal cortex activity." Close your eyes, pretend you're lying on the beach, and your mind will soon be turning blue.
Research reference:
Buxton, RT. (2021). A synthesis of the health benefits of natural sounds and their distribution in national parks. Proc Natl Acad Sci US A. doi:10.1073/pnas.2013097118.
Qiao, H. (2019). Physiological benefits of viewing nature: a systematic review of in-house experiments. International Journal of Environmental Research Public Health. doi:10.3390/ijerph16234739.
Thoma, M. V. (2018). Preliminary evidence: The stress-reducing effect of listening to water depends on physical discomfort: a randomized trial. Medicine (Baltimore). DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000009851.
Zhang X (2021). Water features that promote public mental health. International Journal of Environmental Research Public Health. doi:10.3390/ijerph182211792.
source:
Rachel Goldberg, MS, LMFT, therapist, owner of Rachel Goldberg Therapy
Reena B. Patel, LEP, BCBA, positive psychologist
