Is "Blue Mind Theory" Legit? I Traveled to Vancouver Island to Find Out

Get the Full StoryMy eyes looked out over the Bedwell Sound, part of the larger Clayoquot Sound, at the mouth of the Bedwell River. Flying over the ripples of waves, I see them get closer before I land at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Vancouver Island, a picturesque eco-luxury retreat nestled within British Columbia's lush temperate rainforest. The water plane glides and soon I'm surrounded by blue and gray waves meeting the green grass and trees, backdropped by lush mountains in the distance.

There's a particular kind of stillness that settles over you when you're surrounded by water - the kind that slows your pulse, deepens your breath, and quiets the noise of everyday life. In his book, marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, PhD, calls this phenomenon "blue mind": the meditative state of calm and clarity we experience in, on, or near water. It's not just poetic; it's science.

"Water environments, with their calming sounds and peaceful vibes, reduce stress and anxiety," says neuropsychologist Sanam Hafeez, PsyD. "The color blue, often linked to calmness, also plays a role in making us feel at ease. Scientists believe that the natural rhythms of water and its beauty can help us focus better and boost our mood."

Experts Featured in This Article

Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, is a neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind, a provider of neuropsychological testing based in New York City.

Therese Huston, PhD, is a cognitive scientist and the author of "Sharp: 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life With Brain Science."

My travel group gets settled into our "tents," which, in reality, are not at all what you think of when you hear that word, being that they have structured attached bathrooms with heated floors and outdoor showers. I look out at the landscape and take a deep breath. Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge offers a rare blend of untamed nature and refined luxury, where glacial rivers weave through long-standing forests at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Here, water isn't just a backdrop - it's an active participant in the experience, shaping everything from the rhythms of the day to the depth of relaxation visitors can reach.

"Blue Mind Theory draws much-needed attention to the benefits of blue space," says cognitive scientist Therese Huston, PhD. She notes a 2024 Environmental Research study in which young adults in China who lived within 1,000 meters or less than a mile of a natural body of water experienced less symptoms of depression and slept better than young adults who lived further away from a body of water.

"Of course, we don't know the direction of causality. It could be that people who were more depressed and who slept poorly chose to live in city centers, far from a body of water," Dr. Huston says. "But it does make you think - is it worth paying a little more to live within walking distance of water? That house on the lake suddenly has even more appeal."

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is more than just a remote escape; it's a fully immersive experience in nature with five-star comfort. Accessible only by seaplane or boat, the resort features 25 white-canvas tents elevated on wooden platforms, seamlessly blending into the surroundings.

Guests can partake in guided kayaking excursions through spectacular fjords, horseback rides across wildflower meadows, and spa treatments that will make anyone forget their troubles. The culinary program, led by chef Benjamin Godin, showcases fresh, seasonal ingredients, often sourced from nearby waters and farms. Every detail is designed to foster a deep connection with the natural world, encouraging guests to slow down and embrace the setting.

And while others adventured into the depths of the sound, scrambling on rocks and hiking, I sat and looked out at the water, taking it all in. I felt the wind on my face as the movement of the waves and birds diving in it filled the silence around me. The world felt softer, as if my mind had unclenched from its usual tension. In those moments, I understood Blue Mind Theory not just as a concept, but as something deeply felt, a sensation of weightlessness and ease that only water can bring.

"When you're near water, your brain responds by activating areas linked to relaxation and calmness, like the parasympathetic nervous system," says Dr. Hafeez. "The sights and sounds of water can engage the brain's attention system, promoting mindfulness and a sense of focus. It also triggers the release of dopamine, improving your mood. Your brain's 'fight or flight' response is reduced, which makes you feel less anxious. Essentially, being by water can help reset your brain, making you feel more peaceful and balanced."

While many automatically associate Blue Mind Theory with warm-weather and beach destinations, the theory really extends to any body of water rivers, lakes, oceans, you name it. The water itself is the respite, not necessarily the beach, though Dr. Hafeez notes that things like warmth and openness often associated with beaches can have a positive effect. That being said, so can immersing yourself in water. Particularly, cold water.

Cold plunges are one way to connect with water and Clayoquot Lodge offers them on certain mornings. As I submerged myself in the water before the sun was even up, my thoughts went still. Cold plunges are known to do this to my brain, so it wasn't a surprise, but having done both manmade and natural cold plunges I noted how seeing more of the water - a full expanse of it - made me feel even more at ease. Like my body itself could expand while my thoughts condensed into one clear picture. The vastness of the water made it feel less like a controlled wellness practice and more like a surrender to nature's rhythm.

"Research indicates that as little as 30 seconds in cold water can reduce your stress levels. The effects aren't immediate - your body will produce some cortisol when you wade into a cold body of water and that might momentarily make you feel more stressed," Dr. Huston says. "But 12 hours later, you should feel significantly less stressed." Later, my body and brain indeed felt like I had slept 15 hours.

As my time at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge came to an end, I found myself lingering a little longer by the water's edge, reluctant to leave behind the sense of serenity I had discovered. Blue Mind Theory isn't just an idea - it's a lived experience, one that stays with you long after you've stepped away from the reflective water. It left me with a renewed sense of appreciation for the power of water to heal and restore and quiet the mind.

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Samantha Leal is a lifestyle writer, editor, and editorial consultant who writes about beauty, wellness, travel, drinks, and more - basically, all the good things in life. She's held editorial roles at The Knot, Latina magazine, Marie Claire, and Well Good, and she's written for PS, Bustle, Vogue, Teen Vogue, Glamour, Travel Leisure, Byrdie, StyleCaster, The Zoe Report, and more.

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