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 is a bestselling[1] book by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols about the effects bodies of water have on human health and well-being.[2][3]
 | |
| Author | Wallace J. Nichols |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Nonfiction, self-help |
| Publisher | Little, Brown and Company |
Publication date | July 22, 2014 |
| Media type | eBook, paperback, audio-book |
| Pages | 352 |
| ISBN | 978-0-316-25207-2 |
Contents
editThe book covers "therapeutic landscapes" as they are referred to in medical literature, specifically ones that are near, in, or on the water.[4][5] The book analyzes studies that suggest living or simply being near bodies of water can have powerful psychological and even physiological effects.[6][7]
Human condition
editBlue Mind considers the impact of water on the human condition and mental health.[6][8][9][10] Author Wallace Nichols told Quartz:[11]
People can experience the benefits of the water whether they're near the ocean, a lake, river, swimming pool or even listening to the soothing sound of a fountain. Most communities are built near bodies of water not just for practical reasons, but because as humans, we're naturally drawn to blue space...but even if you aren't in an area where there is easy access to water, you can still experience [its] emotional benefits. Many scribes, poets, painters, and sailors have attested to the feeling of wellness and peace that comes over them when they're in, or near, bodies of water.
Research
editBlue Mind compiles and analyzes recent scientific research that has shown water's favorable cognitive and physical impacts being quantified by experts.[12] The book shows proof that living near the shore, for example, has been shown to boost physical health and well-being.[13] It also provides evidence that water generates a meditative state, which makes us happier, healthier, calmer, and more creative.[14]
Reception
editThe book was received well by critics, and made The New York Times Best Seller list.[1] A review from The Guardian labeled Blue Mind "popular psychology", calling it "a study in water and why it makes us happy".[5] A review from the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography said "Blue Mind is an interesting read and presents a different perspective on water than we typically think about during the course of our hectic days."[15]
References
edit- ^ a b "Best Selling Science Books - The New York Times". The New York Times. 2021-09-03. Archived from the original on 2021-09-03. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
- ^ Nichols, Wallace J. (2014-07-22). 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. Little, Brown. ISBN 978-0-316-25207-2.
- ^ Joyce, Nicola (2014-08-08). "Book review: 'Blue Mind,' on the benefits of being near water, by Wallace J. Nichols". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
- ^ Nichols, Wallace J. (2017-06-27). Blue Mind. Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 978-0-316-25211-9.
- ^ a b Hoare, Philip (2014-07-16). "Blue Mind review – one man's hymn to the power of water". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2014-07-17. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
- ^ a b Petrow, Steven (2021-10-16). "Visit 'therapeutic landscapes' to ease your woes. Why watery locales are healing". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on October 16, 2021. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
- ^ Cimini, Marla. "'Blue Mind': Why being near the water makes you happy". USA Today. Archived from the original on 2017-11-14. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
- ^ Ellwood, Mark (2021-06-09). "Our Love of Living Near Water Persists Despite the Dangers". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
- ^ Weinbender, Nathan. "Whether it's a trip to the lake or a session of hydrotherapy, water has the power to heal physically and mentally". Inlander. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
- ^ Breakey, Sharlene (2021-06-09). "How to Harness the Mind-Healing Powers of Nature's Unbelievable Beauty". Prevention. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
- ^ Hoare, Philip. "Blue Mind science proves the health benefits of being by water". QUARTZ. Archived from the original on 2018-08-05. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
- ^ "Can simply being near the ocean wash away stress?". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
- ^ "How to find your 'blue mind'". Happiful Magazine. 2020-07-11. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
- ^ SUN, ADAM DRAPCHO, THE LACONIA DAILY. "The healing power of water". The Laconia Daily Sun. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Filstrup, Christopher T. (2019). "Nichols, W.J. 2015. 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. Reprint Edition. New York: Back Bay Books / Little, Brown, and Company. ISBN: 978-0-316-25211-9. (Paperback). Suggested Retail Price: $9.98 for Paperback on Amazon.com". Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin. 28 (3): 114. doi:10.1002/lob.10338. ISSN 1539-6088.