By now, you’ve likely heard the news of J’s passing. We want to thank you for your outpouring of love and support over the past few weeks.

I also want to thank Outside Magazine for its tribute to my husband, which was published earlier this month. And Plastic Pollution Coalition, who published this blog to honor him and his work.

J dedicated his life to understanding how our connection to water and wildlife has the power to change our health and well-being. He worked tirelessly to share his findings with the world – from his best-selling book Blue Mind, to countless environmental organizations and movements that he founded and supported.

We are currently in the process of turning the Dr. Wallace J. Nichols Memorial Fund into a foundation. Our goal is to continue J's important work, complete unfinished projects, and support causes he was passionate about, including:

• The Blue Mind Movement reconnects people to water by linking ocean and waterway exploration, restoration, and conservation with neuroscience, psychology, public health, and well-being. This involves an annual summit, workshops, research collaborations and a small grants program through The Ocean Foundation.
• Billion Baby Turtles Project was founded by J and Brad Nahill to increase the number of baby sea turtles in oceans around the world. To date, we have saved nearly 1 million hatchlings at nesting beaches in El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and elsewhere.
• Blue Marbles Project has a goal of passing a marble through every person’s hand on earth, with a simple message of gratitude. Since our launch in 2009, millions around the world have joined hands to create a blue global community.
• Force Blue unites the community of Special Operations veterans with the world of marine conservation, for the betterment of both. J was deeply passionate about Force Blue's mission and loved supporting the project with his time and energy.
• Plastic Pollution Coalition is a non-profit communications and advocacy organization that collaborates with an expansive global alliance of organizations, businesses, and individuals to create a more just, equitable, regenerative world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts. J was a longtime friend and founding advisor to the Plastic Pollution Coalition.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the fund thus far. We are grateful for your generosity and deeply moved by your stories of J’s impact on all our lives.

If you're interested in helping with the foundation and preserving J's legacy, please contact me directly at legacy@wallacejnichols.org.

We wish you water,

Dana Nichols

During this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve this profound loss. We appreciate the outpouring of support. Thank you for respecting our need for quiet reflection. An intimate gathering will be held to commemorate J’s life in the coming months.

In honoring Dr. Nichols’ legacy, we remember his dedication to science, his lifelong calling to conserve our planet’s natural gifts, and his passion for the ocean. He transformed our understanding of the relationship between water and wellness. Looking forward together we remain steadfast – upholding J’s mission to protect our fragile blue home.

With love,

Dana, Grayce and Julia Nichols (J’s wife and daughters)
Mother Sheila Nichols and Family

Memorial Fund

The Dr. Wallace J. Nichols Memorial Fund was established to continue the work of one of the world’s most important environmentalists and change makers. We mourn the death of this remarkable man, and we have the opportunity to continue his work in his legacy. This memorial fund is approved by his family.

Where did our water come from? One theory is from comets and  asteroids nearly 4 billion years ago. A more recent theory is that most of it was already  here, inside the planet, and it came to the surface over time. Either way, all of Earth’s water travels between lakes, rivers, oceans, the atmosphere, the land and living  things, including us. And the water we drink today is the same water that dinosaurs and the first humans ever drank. Mind-bending, huh? 

Bringing it back to you, you intuitively know how good water is for you. In fact, scientists who study the effects of “blue environments” say that we humans need the blue as much as we need the green. For more on the science, see “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,” by Wallace J. Nichols. And lucky for us, we have access to water in a multitude of ways and forms. 

Read more here.

Negative Ions

Negative ions are molecules that have gained an extra electron, giving them a negative charge. These ions are abundant in nature, particularly near waterfalls, mountains, and the ocean. When we breathe in negative ions, they are believed to interact with our body’s systems, potentially leading to various health benefits.

Studies have shown that exposure to negative ions can help reduce stress, alleviate depression, and boost overall mood. The high concentration of negative ions near the ocean may contribute to the calming effect many people experience when spending time on the water.

Blue Mind Theory

Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols coined the term “blue mind” to describe the calm, meditative state induced by being near, in, on, or underwater. According to Nichols, blue profoundly impacts our brains, slowing our thought processes and promoting a sense of tranquility.

The blue mind theory suggests that the ocean’s color, sound, and motion can help shift our brain into a more relaxed state. This state of relaxation may lead to improved mental clarity, reduced stress, and increased overall well-being.

Stress Reduction And Relaxation

One of the most notable benefits of being near the ocean is its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The sound of crashing waves, the smell of salt water, and the feel of sand beneath our feet all contribute to a sense of calm and tranquility.Studies have shown that listening to ocean sounds can lower stress levels and promote more restful sleep. The rhythmic motion of the waves may also have a meditative effect, helping to quiet the mind and foster a sense of inner peace.When we spend time near the ocean, we often find ourselves more present in the moment. The water’s vastness and the surrounding environment’s beauty can help shift our focus from internal thoughts and worries to the external world, reducing rumination and improving mental clarity.

Creativity And Inspiration

In addition to promoting relaxation and reducing stress, being near the ocean may also enhance our creativity and problem-solving abilities. The sea provides a vast, open space that can help free our minds from the constraints of daily life and inspire new ideas.

Many artists, writers, and musicians have found inspiration in the ocean’s beauty and power. The water’s ever-changing colors, the play of light on its surface, and the sound of the waves can all serve as creative stimuli, sparking new ideas and perspectives.

Spending time near the ocean may also improve cognitive function and mental clarity. Combining relaxation and inspiration can help us approach problems with a fresh perspective, leading to more innovative solutions.

Physical Health Benefits

The benefits of being near the ocean extend beyond mental health. Exposure to negative ions, such as those found near the sea, has been linked to improved sleep quality. The calming effect of ocean sounds may also promote a more restful sleep, leaving us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Spending time at the beach also encourages physical activity. Whether swimming, surfing, or playing beach volleyball, engaging in physical activity by the ocean can have numerous benefits for our brain health. Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.

Incorporating The Ocean Into Daily Life

While living near the coast may provide the most direct access to the ocean’s benefits, there are ways to incorporate its positive effects into our daily lives, no matter where we reside.

For those considering a move, coastal living may offer long-term benefits for brain health. Living near the ocean provides regular opportunities to spend time by the water, whether walking along the beach or simply enjoying the view from a seaside home.

For those who don’t live near the coast, planning regular beach trips can effectively reap the ocean’s benefits. Making the most of your time at the beach by engaging in water activities, walking along the shore, or simply sitting and observing the waves can help promote relaxation and mental well-being.

If frequent beach visits aren’t possible, bringing elements of the ocean into your home can help create a calming environment. Decorating with ocean-inspired colors, artwork, or photographs can serve as a visual reminder of the water’s serenity. Playing recordings of ocean sounds during meditation or relaxation practices can also help induce a sense of calm and tranquility.

Case Study: Kristi Finds Solace By The Sea

Kristi, a 35-year-old marketing executive, had always been driven by her career. She spent long hours at the office and rarely took time for herself. The constant stress and pressure began to take a toll on her mental and physical health, leaving her feeling burnt out and unfulfilled.

One weekend, on a whim, Kristi decided to drive to the coast for a much-needed break. As she walked along the sandy shore, listening to the rhythmic crashing of the waves, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. The salty air filled her lungs, and the vast expanse of blue water seemed to put her troubles into perspective.

Kristi began making regular trips to the ocean, carving out time each month to disconnect from her hectic life and reconnect with herself. Spending time by the water helped clear her mind, allowing her to approach her work with renewed focus and creativity. The physical activity of swimming and beach walks left her energized and refreshed.

As Kristi prioritized her visits to the ocean, she noticed a significant improvement in her overall well-being. Her stress levels decreased, her sleep quality improved, and she felt renewed purpose and happiness. She realized that the ocean had become a crucial part of her self-care routine, providing her the balance and perspective to thrive personally and professionally.

Key Takeaways

Being near the ocean may significantly benefit our brain and overall well-being.

The high concentration of negative ions near the ocean can help reduce stress, alleviate depression, and boost overall mood.

The blue mind theory suggests that the ocean’s color, sound, and motion can induce a calm, meditative state, promoting relaxation and mental clarity.

The sound of crashing waves, the smell of salt water, and the feel of sand all contribute to a sense of calm and tranquility, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Being near the ocean can help shift our focus from internal thoughts and worries to the external world, reducing rumination and improving mental clarity.

The ocean’s beauty and power can serve as creative stimuli, sparking new ideas and perspectives and enhancing problem-solving abilities.

Exposure to negative ions near the ocean has been linked to improved sleep quality while engaging in physical activities by the water, which can benefit brain health.

Coastal living may offer long-term benefits for brain health by providing regular opportunities to spend time near the ocean.

Planning frequent beach trips and maximizing your time at the beach can help promote relaxation and mental well-being.

Incorporating ocean-inspired elements into your home, such as colors, artwork, or sounds, can create a calming environment and induce a sense of tranquility.

Conclusion

The ocean’s ability to promote mental and physical well-being is a testament to the power of nature. By understanding the science behind the ocean’s effect on our brain, we can better appreciate and harness its benefits.

Whether living near the coast, visiting the beach regularly, or incorporating ocean-inspired elements into our daily lives, making a conscious effort to spend more time near the water can profoundly impact our overall health and happiness.

So the next time you find yourself drawn to the ocean’s shores, take a moment to breathe in the salty air, listen to the crashing waves, and let the blue mind work its magic. Your brain will thank you.

“Anything that involves the ocean, I’m game!” he says.

According to some, Lenny’s surfing skills aren’t the only thing benefiting from all that time riding the waves. The Blue Mind Theory suggests that being in or near water improves mental health and restores our innate connection with nature. Whether you’re watching casually surfing the waves or taking in the epic swells at Red Bull Magnitude, there’s never a bad day by the water. So, what is the Blue Mind Theory?

Read more here.

Kai Lenny © Mike Coots / Red Bull Content Pool

Read the full article here.

Key Takeaways

• Grupo Tortuguero de las Californias (GTC – the Sea Turtle Conservation Network of the Californias), a sea turtle conservation effort in Baja California, is an example of a “conservation mosaic” approach to address declining turtle populations, poaching and related corruption.

• GTC is an example of using “soft power” approaches as an alternative to “hard enforcement,” which was unlikely to be successful due to the complex of community dynamics, institutional weaknesses, and criminal factors that drive sea turtle take and related corruption in the region.

• “Soft power” included community-based monitoring, an extensive education and communications strategy to enhance environmental literacy and cooperation between communities and authorities, and community-based research.

• Though reducing corruption was not an explicit objective of the initiative, the case highlights how community involvement in conservation efforts, alongside the state’s policy-setting role, can address some of the conditions that encourage corruption and endanger conservation outcomes.

In a speech to MPs, leisure sector experts and healthcare professionals, Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi said water-based exercise can provide ‘more benefit than any pharmaceutical agent’.

He was speaking at a parliamentary reception held to mark the launch of Swim England’s Value of Swimming report and reiterated the national governing body’s plea for long-term funding to ensure everyone across the country had access to a pool.

Dr Al-Zubaidi, who is the clinical advisor for Swim England, highlighted the work of the Greek physician Hippocrates who, thousands of years ago, saw the health benefits being in the water can bring.

He said: “I do think it’s funny that in 400BC, Hippocrates wrote at quite great length the health benefits that swimming and access to the water brought in a number of the remedies he was applying to his patients.

“Despite many years of further evidence and support, we now live in an environment where we are losing our pools, we are losing access to clean, healthy open water.

“That’s despite evidence that, in fact, it provides more benefit than any pharmaceutical agent we have got.

“I have seen the impact it has on patients. In my local area, we set up a swim group, collaborating with my local leisure centre and we allow patients with long-term health conditions to access the water and we support them through that process.

“In the time since it started in April, we have countless examples on the significant impact it has had.

“Not just on the markedness quality of life or mental health, which of course are so important, but on some of the physical parameters, whether that be weight, whether that be diabetes scores, whether that be cholesterol.

Strong collaboration

“These are things that, before, I would have said were not possible in the time frame that we were talking about and were simply achieved by supporting people to get into the water.”

Dr Al-Zubaidi said greater partnerships between the health and leisure sectors was required – while trainee doctors should receive additional education on the impact physical activity can have on people’s health when they are at medical school.

He added: “I think in order for us to make best use of the pools, we need a really strong collaboration between health care and the fitness sector because until we connect these two groups, that division will mean patients get lost and those that don’t have the same ability to access these resources will lose out.

“I do feel that if we are going to be able to support health, having access to pools, access to open water that is clean and safe, will have such a profound effect.

“In medical school, you’re there for six years. You have four hours of teaching on all physical activity.

In swimming, I got zero minutes in medical school. That’s not right. That’s not a fair balance.

“Many of us are living lifestyles which eventually will lead to long-term health conditions that we will find very hard to reverse.

“Everyone wants to be able to prevent those things, rather than scramble for a cure once they arise.

“If we go back to basics of applying what good health care is and collaborating with the physical activity sector, we can use their expertise and our resource in knowing our patient and who would get most benefit in order to get good outcomes for patients.”

Swim England’s Value of Swimming report details the physical and mental health benefits of aquatic activity.

It has led to the national governing body launching its Don’t Put a Cap on Swimming campaign in a bid to ensure there is continued financial support for swimming pools in the long term.

Blue Mind is the mildly meditative state people fall into when they are near, in, under or on water.

Water positively affects the mind and body, and the Blue Mind Theory (descrobed in the bestselling book Blue Mind) provides ways people can use water to improve their well-being.

Blue Mind is the term used to describe the state of water-associated peace.

Water in the ocean, rivers, lakes and even baths can make us feel calmer, increase well-being and boost creativity. Blue Mind is the mildly meditative state people fall into when they are near, in, under or on water. Water positively affects the mind and body, and the Blue Mind Theory provides ways people can use water to improve their well-being. Blue Mind is the term used to describe the state of water-associated peace. Some of the ways water can produce physical and mental health benefits include:

• Bodies of water trigger involuntary attention, which is essential to problem-solving and creativity.

• Water increases the neurotransmitters dopamine, sometimes called the feel-good hormone; serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone; and oxytocin, described as the cuddle hormone; and decreases cortisol, described as the stress hormone.

• Water is a source of awe that expands a person’s compassion.

• The color, sound and feel of water can lower pulse rate and increase feelings of calmness.

There are easy ways to experience a blue mind such as:

Our interviews focus on the travel, entertainment and lifestyle industry, with people who are making valuable contributions in their particular fields.

Q. Tell us about yourself. As a marine biologist, what sparked your interest in exploring the relationship between water and our well-being, leading you to write “Blue Mind”, the book that explores the many ways that water can have a positive impact on our health and well-being?

As I kid, I loved being in the water. It was my happy place. On land, I was a bit introverted, stuttered, and I felt overwhelmed. But in the water, it was peaceful, and I could hear my thoughts. So, it makes sense that I’d follow an educational path that led to a career involving water.

Later, as a marine biologist, I reflected on that emotional connection to water and wanted to understand the science behind it. That’s how I ended up writing “Blue Mind”.

Q. I listened to a podcast with you as the featured guest. You mentioned that Blue Mind is an antidote to Red Mind, the state of anxiety and alertness that we constantly experience in our everyday life. Can you elaborate on this concept and how being near or in water affects our brain and overall health?

Red Mind is our new normal. Technology, over connectedness, media, to-do lists, grinding and striving are our culture. Add to that the impacts of the pandemic, politics, economic and environmental crises, and you have a recipe for burnout, which I call Gray Mind.

Water is all its states and forms can calm us, boost our creativity and promote contentment.

Blue Mind is one piece of our emotional health tool kit. Spending time near, in, on or under water can help us. And fortunately, we live on a water-based planet, so the opportunities to practice Blue Mind abound.

Q. To get into the Blue Mind state, you don’t necessarily need to travel to a far-off tropical destination. Are there any specific water environments you would recommend for people to fully enjoy the maximum benefits of being in the Blue Mind? What activities can people engage in to enhance their Blue Mind experience?

You don’t need to travel to find Blue Mind. Any kind of wild water will work – lakes, rivers, oceans, creeks, rain, snow and ice.

Domestic water is also useful – pools, tubs, showers of any kind and shape are readily available.

Urban water such as waterfronts and fountains are a wonderful source of Blue Mind.

Virtual water includes art, photography, film, music, recordings of water, kinetic water sculpture, poetry and prose. Virtual water can be used to boost Blue Mind anywhere.

The last category is imaginary water, and it’s made of the water memories we carry with us for life. Close your eyes and you can hear, see, feel, taste and smell the watery places you love.

Many people who lead guided meditations utilize our memories of water to help people reach a state of mindfulness.

Q. For those who are not fond of being near the water, what alternative activities can they engage in to achieve the Blue Mind state of mind?

My mom has a lifelong fear of open water since childhood. But she loves looking at it. As kids, she enjoyed watching us in the water. She has Blue Mind art in her home. She likes her bathtub too!

For those who are less keen on wild water, all the other forms are useful.

Q. Do natural water environments have more Blue Mind benefits than artificial ones, for example swimming pools or water parks?

Generally, you could say there’s a continuum from extreme to mild Blue Mind. But it varies from person to person.

I love the idea of floating in a warm tropical ocean at night under the stars, but for some people that sounds stressful.

People who grew up near lakes or rivers may have a stronger affinity for fresh water.

I like to work with people to create a personal Bluescription based on their location, interests, needs and personal history.

Q. Do any of your personal travel experiences deeply influence your well-being or connection to the Blue Mind concept?

I’m always on the lookout for water when I travel. Even if it’s a basement pool at a YMCA in New York City. It’s my touchstone and it grounds me in a new place.

Speaking of NYC, when I’m there I always set out on foot for the river (either one) and walk along it. If possible, I’ll get on a boat or kayak. Maybe take the train out to the beach.

Q, Lately, sleep tourism has become popular, with people traveling to resorts that focus on providing great sleep experiences. You mentioned surf therapy and float therapy in the podcast. Would you recommend these therapies for travelers seeking a vacation to de-stress and do you see these therapies becoming a future travel trend?

People say they sleep very well after a day near, in, on or under water. The sound of water is also one of the best sleep aids (rain, rivers, waves). Contrast therapy, where you keep going back and forth between a sauna and a cold plunge, it helps you relax and promotes rest.

The connection between healthy water and healthy sleep is real.

Q. As a marine scientist, what is your advice for travelers to use the natural resources responsibly while enjoying the Blue Mind experience?

There are many things we can all do to evolve our lifestyles in the direction of sustainability. But my advice to people is usually to connect more deeply with the water near you, wherever you are. Bring someone who needs it to the water. Talk about Blue Mind. Share your insights. We know that emotional wellness is the foundation for a sustainable economy.

Q. What would you like to say to Dave’s Travel Corner’s travel community?

The past several years have been personally challenging for me and everyone I know. All my tanks have been drained. I’ve helped my best friends and closest family members manage their Gray and Red Mind states by reminding them to practice Blue Mind and guiding them to water. But I often forgot to do it for myself.

Take better care of yourself, so you can help the people and places you love. Travel to places that help you rest and feel whole. Find your water.

There are many great water photos on Unsplash.com that are rights free. I love finding “blue mind” images there.

Photographs credit: Wallace J. Nichols

Biography: 

Dr. Wallace J. Nichols is a marine scientist, activist, and author. He inspires people to have a deep connection with nature through his words, images, and experiences.

He is a Research Associate at California Academy of Sciences, and his work has been featured on NPR, BBC, PBS, National Geographic and Animal Planet and featured in Time, Newsweek, GQ, Scientific American and New Scientist, among others.

His book “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.” explores the benefits of being near water and how it positively impacts our well-being and cognitive abilities.

His most recent work has been on Blue Mind, merging the fields of cognitive science and emotional wellness with water conservation and exploration.

Read more here.

When Reina Sultan spent time in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, earlier this summer, she noticed that she felt better than anticipated.

"Has anyone with POTS/hEDS noticed that going in the ocean makes them feel wildly better?," she wrote on Twitter. "Like i get 2-3 days of feeling like i am not chronically ill when i swim in the ocean and idk if its the salt or the pressure or what but even my joints feel better."

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HeDS) are neurological conditions that can cause joint pain, dizziness with movement, and fatigue. The Tweet took off, with many others with chronic illnesses saying that their symptoms feel better for days after they've been swimming in salt water. 

Doctors say that Sultan is onto something — a phenomenon known as thalassotherapy, or using salt water for healing, that dates all the way back to the ancient Greeks. 

Salt water has physical and mental health benefits

Anecdotal stories of feeling better in or near salt water — like Sultan's experience — are common, says Stewart Parnacott, a personal trainer and nurse practitioner with Baylor College of Medicine. 

"There is some scientific basis to support these claims," Parnacott said.

A 2021 scientific review found evidence that thalassotherapy is associated with improved symptoms in patients. It's particularly effective for people with certain skin conditions and inflammatory diseases, the review found. 

"Saltwater contains various minerals and trace elements such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which are believed to have potential health benefits," Parnacott said. "These minerals may promote relaxation, reduce inflammation, and support skin health when absorbed through the skin during activities like swimming or spending time at the beach."

Being near the beach can have mental health benefits too

As anyone who enjoys a summer trip to the sea has probably realized, being near the ocean can also benefit mental health, saysDr. Elliot Dinetz, a functional medicine doctor and staff member at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. 

"On the mental health front, being near the ocean, a phenomenon often referred to as the 'blue space effect,' has been linked to reduced stress levels and overall mental well-being," Dinetz said. 

A 2021 study that included more than 16,000 people in 18 countries found that spending time near blue spaces, including lakes, rivers, and oceans, was associated with improved well-being. Ocean sounds, like the crashing of waves, can also promote mental health and relaxation.

For the most benefit, get moving near water

While sitting on the beach or floating can be super relaxing, Dinetz says people often get the most benefit when they move their bodies. 

"Activities such as swimming or walking on the beach increase these benefits by improving cardiovascular health and promoting the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood boosters," he said. 

If you don't live near an ocean or salt lake, don't worry, Parnacott says. You can get many of the same benefits from visiting a lake or river — or even a pool in a pinch.

"Bodies of water, whether freshwater or saltwater, have inherent qualities that offer health benefits," he said. 

Low-impact exercises like swimming or water aerobics are beneficial for joint health and cardiovascular fitness, while the buoyancy of water reduces the impact on joints, making it an ideal option for individuals with certain musculoskeletal conditions, he says. 

"Both freshwater and saltwater environments can offer unique benefits for physical and mental well-being," Parnacott said. "Finding balance and taking time to unwind in nature can significantly contribute to a healthier and happier lifestyle."

Read more here.