Discovering the Importance of Water for Happiness and Well-Being
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The Essential Connection Between Water and Happiness
Wallace J. Nichols' book, "Blue Mind," stands out as one of my top reads this year, having been recommended by renowned surfer Laird Hamilton. This insightful work is filled with scientific evidence and intriguing details that underscore the necessity of being near water for our well-being.
The core message of "Blue Mind" is that water isn't just vital for our survival; it also plays a crucial role in fostering happiness and a sense of purpose. Let’s delve deeper into this concept:
The Environmental Attraction
Historically, humans have been drawn to coastal areas for various reasons. Water-based predators can't chase us on land, and land predators are unable to enter the water, allowing us to evade danger more effectively. (Unless, of course, you're faced with both a shark and a saber-toothed tiger at the same time—then you're in a bit of trouble!)
Oxygen Benefits
Being close to water doesn't just provide us with crucial resources like food and hydration; aquatic environments are also abundant in oxygen. Have you ever noticed how invigorating it feels to be by the ocean? It's almost like a natural high from the oxygen-rich air! While we may not be designed for extended underwater swims, our bodies are indeed made for enjoying water. With an average human body composed of 78% water and our lungs filled with air, we’re physically built to float and wade in water.
The Influence of Advertising
Successful marketing often features water or the color blue. Statistically, blue is the most favored color, and companies leverage this to their advantage. Water stimulates our senses and enhances our mood, which is why we are instinctively attracted to it. A classic example is the Corona beer commercial, which relies solely on ocean visuals and sounds, effectively creating a positive association despite the beer's average quality. Major brands like Facebook, Pfizer, and Walmart have adopted blue in their logos, tapping into our inherent affinity for this color and its associated feelings of calmness.
The Water Premium Phenomenon
People are often willing to pay a premium for experiences near water, known as the “water premium.” Destinations by the ocean consistently rank as the most popular vacation spots, with vacationers ready to spend at least 25% more for hotel rooms that offer water views. Similarly, properties located by the coast can command higher prices. This attraction is so profound that many therapeutic devices—like floatation tanks and cold plunge pools—have emerged, mirroring the ocean experience we crave. These innovations, featuring warm water and magnesium salt, replicate the benefits of the sea, while cold plunge tanks offer surprising health advantages.
Healthier Lifestyles by the Water
Research indicates that obesity and chronic diseases are less prevalent in coastal regions. The calming presence of water also seems to boost cognitive function and reduce the propensity for crime. People near water tend to overeat less, remain more vigilant, and experience lower levels of pain. In Japan, the introduction of blue-lit environments led to a 9% drop in crime rates, as the calming effects of the light made individuals more aware and less prone to aggression.
The Dual Nature of Water
The sun provides generously without asking for anything in return, while water embodies a reciprocal relationship; it offers life but can also take it away through floods or storms. This duality teaches us to respect nature—take what you need, but do so cautiously. The mystery of water invites further exploration; despite covering 70% of our planet, we've only begun to uncover its secrets. Many scientists argue that we should focus on understanding the depths of our oceans before venturing to other planets.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
What concerns me is the threat of losing the very land we cherish due to climate change. In fifty years, beautiful beachfront properties may be submerged. Addressing water restoration and environmental stewardship is imperative, as our connection to water is fundamental.
However, there’s hope: you don’t need to live by the sea year-round to reap its benefits. Simple actions, like drinking more water, enjoying baths, or taking trips to coastal areas, can enhance your connection with this essential element, allowing you to engage with life's ultimate sensory experience.
The first video, "Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You," explores the profound effects of water on our mental well-being.
The second video, "How to Get the Benefits of a Blue Mind," provides practical tips on incorporating the benefits of water into your daily life.
For further insights, consider reading "Stoic Meditations On Life From Hawaii" or "10 Insightful Quotes From Matthew McConaughey’s 'Greenlights.'"