The view of the sea, the walk on the river, the bathroom in the lake – water attracts us. Expert: Explain how the element influences our psyche and how we can actively use it.
No life without water. Life on earth emerged from the water, water is vital for us. The settlements of our ancestor: Inside, preferably created on rivers and coasts. This early embossing has anchored deeply in our subconscious.
From a psychological point of view, water is not only attractive. A stay by the sea, lake or river lowers the cortisol level. The brain switches into a quieter mode. Environmental psychologist Sandra Geiger refers to the so-called stress reduction theory. According to it, nature creates positive emotions with plants or water – interest, joy and calm. This promotes relaxation and reduces stress life.
See water
Another theoretical basis provides attention theory. In a hectic, sounds and often with stimulously flooding surroundings like the city, our attention is constantly challenged. Time in nature creates a balance. “She distracts – but in a less strenuous way,” said the scientist. The view of the even movement of the water calms down. Worries lose weight, the mental presence can recover.
Historically, it was not always the case. In the Middle Ages, the sea was considered threatening – full of dangers and uncertainties. “This changed with the investigation and the advent of the health resorts in the 18th century,” says psychologist Florian Schmid-Höhne. It offers burnout coaching by the sea. Today we know: the sea relaxes our psyche. “A look into the width calms our eyes, our minds. Color psychologically also contributes to this.” It stands for wide, calm, relaxation.
Listen to water
But not only that looks – the sound also has an impact. The noise of the waves, the even rippling of a stream: “Water noises are often perceived as positive,” says Sandra Geiger. Researchers at Carlton University and the Michigan State University examined the effects of natural sound landscapes in US national parks. The result: Even hearing natural noises can reduce pain and stress, lighten the mood and improve cognitive performance. Water noises had the greatest influence on health and positive feelings.
Explanations can also be found deeply psychologically: According to Schmid-Hühn, the even noise of the sea triggers the feeling of security in us. It can subconsciously remind us of the time in the womb.
Feel water
Skin contact can also be beneficial. A jump into the lake, barefoot through the stream, bathing in the water – all of this stimulates the senses, the vegetative nervous system and the circulation. “Touching water has something energetic,” says Florian Schmid-Höhne. The cold of the water revives. Just like the movement in the water. “It has something playful. Child feelings come up.”
However: “Only those who have had positive experiences with water as a child also like to stay in it as an adult,” says Geiger. Negative characteristics can cause the opposite.
In the flow of the “Blue Mind”
The American marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols finds many evidence of the “Blue Mind” in his book – a slightly meditative state of calm, peace and inner balance that stands up near water. How quickly the effect occurs depends on the individual constitution. For example, “with what problems I encounter the water and what personality I bring,” says the burnout coach Schmid-Hühn. Most of his clients open by the sea after two to four days.
📖 The book “Blue Mind: How Water makes us happier” by Wallace J. Nichols is available online, among others, from Buch7, Thalia and Amazon.
Ideas in the flow
For many people, water is also an idea provider. Water inspired – by movement, sound, changing light reflections. It creates an atmosphere in which associations can be linked more easily. And it gives the necessary calm so that new thoughts can arise at all. “This is particularly helpful in the initial phase, in brainstorming, if you collect ideas and let them sink,” explains Geiger. Less in the later phases, where analytical thinking begins.
Learn from water
Water is also a teacher. His flowing, adaptable movement shows how we can deal with challenges ourselves. Instead of staying, water flows around. It stays in motion, adapts without losing yourself – a principle that can be transferred to your own life.
“The coast and the sea offer us a lot of metaphors to look at their own problems,” says Florian Schmid-Höhne. “I can go very close to the sea or look at them from a high cliff.”
There is also a lot into perspective at the sea: “I can classify my situation and come to the realization: it is not that important.” Or: “I can reflect my feelings in harmony or in contrast to the surface of the sea when the sea is raging.”
The sea, Schmid-Hühne continues, are symbolic of life that continues. With the calm that triggers it in us, new plans are created, the idea for a change in life.
Water rituals for everyday life
The advantages of water can be integrated into everyday life. If you regularly spend time on rivers, lakes or seases, you can benefit from measurable. Sandra Geiger refers to her study with the environmental psychology working group at the University of Vienna. It shows that people who live near the coast or visit the sea regularly have a better health care. This connection was found in a large -scale examination with over 15,000 people from 15 countries, regardless of country and income.
Short stays also work: Two hours of nature contact per week are already beneficial – afterwards the effect is flat, says Sandra Geiger. In between, memories can help: “Pictures, videos and sounds of water soothe the nervous system.”
The regularity is important. Florian Schmid-Hühne recommends that the relaxation that you have experienced by the sea with rituals to everyday life-for example through morning exercises or walks on the river or lake.
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