“We are beginning to learn that our brains are hardwired to react positively to water and that being near it can calm and connect us, increase innovation and insight, and even heal what’s broken,” Nichols writes in 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, published in July. “We have a ‘blue mind’ — and it’s perfectly tailored to make us happy in all sorts of ways that go way beyond relaxing in the surf, listening to the murmur of a stream, or floating quietly in a pool.”
Many of us living in the Beach Cities of the South Bay take for granted how close we are to the ocean. We hustle and bustle right by it without taking the time to really connect to it. But there is something magical, powerful and healing about the ocean. Science is backing that up. That calmness and clarity that you feel when you spend time by the ocean is not imagined. It’s real. Our brains are changed for the better when we spend time by the water.
While I do appreciate my office and spend many sessions inside it, I love having the opportunity to take my clients to the ocean for sessions. My office is across the street from it which makes it easy. It started as Walk & Talk sessions and while I do think walking can be powerful therapeutically, even sitting by the ocean is a powerful experience and one that I am grateful to be able to share with my clients.
Here’s an article with more about the science of how the ocean heals: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2016/02/25/mental-benefits-water_n_5791024.html
Check it out or better yet, get outside and see for yourself.
The Team Behind the Message:
At Beach Cities Psychotherapy, our team of dedicated therapists truly care about your well-being. We are passionate about sharing valuable information to support and guide you on your journey. Whether you’re facing life’s challenges or seeking personal growth, our team is here to ensure you receive the compassionate care and support you deserve. We’re committed to helping you navigate through your concerns and are always here to take care of you every step of the way.
More From Us:
Incorporating Humor into Therapy: Enhancing Mental Health Through Laughter
At Beach Cities Psychotherapy, we recognize the power of humor and mindfully embrace it in our work with clients. The Science Behind the Smile: Science backs up the benefits of a good laugh. When we laugh, our brains release endorphins, natural mood elevators that...
Addressing Codependency: Steps to Personal Empowerment and a Fulfilling Life
Codependency is a complex pattern of behaviors that can leave you feeling trapped and unfulfilled. It's often rooted in childhood experiences where you learned to prioritize the needs of others over your own. This dynamic can create a cycle of enabling and control,...
The Role of Therapy in Managing Anxiety
Anxiety is a common experience. It can manifest in different ways for different people, and it can pop up at various stages of life. For some, it's a relentless stream of negative thoughts that drain their energy and leave them feeling terrified. For others, it's a...