Swimming World

By Lianne McCluskey, Swimming World College Intern.

Dr. Wallace J. Nichols is essentially a water guru. He has undertaken the unexpected title of ambassador for the wellness benefits of water, which is embodied in his concept of Blue Mind. Blue Mind is a mental state that he believes exists in all of us, whether we are aware of it or not. Nichols is the first person to research the science behind how being near, in, on or under water can make you happier, healthier, more connected and better at what humans do. His goal in life: to spread this news as common knowledge.

“Not everyone is fortunate enough to be exposed to water on a regular basis and feel the healing benefits of it,” said Nichols. To combat his recent personal stress, Nichols said he jumped into a creek to celebrate 11/11 at 11:11 pm last night near his home in Davenport, Calif. “Thank goodness for the water as a source of anxiety and stress-reduction in all of our lives. For all of us, I think it is the non-prescribed kind of medication that I hope someday will be prescribed more.”

He jokes that since he wrote a book about the psychological and physical benefits of being around water, he had better be practicing it in his daily life: “Water pulls the stress out of you and allows you to have a moment of mindfulness as long as it is coming into your life on purpose.”

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