By Gianna Ferace ’25
With the weather finally warming up, our online shopping carts are beginning to fill up with spring and summer essentials. Shorts, sunblock, bathing suits…Most of us can’t wait for hot temperatures to arrive so we can take a dip in the ocean. But have you ever stopped to think why we truly feel a connection to the water? Yes, it cools us off and sends us waves to ride, but what about the calmness and state of bliss you feel in it? Studies have shown that when we are near the water, we get a “blue mind”—a chance to escape the hyper-connected, over-stimulated state of daily life, in favor of a rare moment of peace. Studies find that when shown photographs of blue spaces in the photos, stress levels automatically drop. Research finds that you may sleep better when they are connected to nature or water. Think about all the Spotify playlists we use to help us relax our minds before sleep. Ocean waves, waterfalls, raindrops, and other similar sounds. The sound of water masks other noises, our minds focusing on the imagery of the sounds.
When we enter the water, our body gets the chance to rest muscles we use every day, allowing us to feel both physically and mentally lighter and more calm. We give up gravity in the water as well, which gives our brain and body a break. Water has such a still and calm presence, but it is also powerful. When you’re in the water, look in front of you, to the side, or behind if you are out far enough. You are completely surrounded. It is a reminder that you are just one tiny person in the middle of everything. Your worries are not bigger than this body of water you are in. Sometimes that is the perfect reminder that we need in the everyday world.
