Phase 1: Planning Your Shift
The Relevance of Blue Mind in The Shift Program
In his book, Dr. Nichols describes the "blue mind" state as a mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment. He contrasts this with "red mind" which is associated with the anxious, over-stimulated, and stressed state that defines the new normal for many people in modern life.
When we are in the presence of water, our brains are held in a state of mild attentiveness, what he calls a "soft fascination," that allows our brains to rest, wander freely, and reset. This shift from red mind to blue mind can lead to feelings of profound relaxation, contentment, and awe. It allows us to step away from our overly busy and stimulated lives, giving our brains a much-needed break.
Dr. Nichols argues that tapping into the blue mind state can help reduce stress and anxiety, promote mental clarity and creativity, enhance our emotional connections with ourselves and others, and even improve our overall physical health and well-being. By understanding and seeking out the benefits of blue mind, we may be able to find a powerful antidote to the stress and distraction that often dominates our lives on land.
Dr. Nichols explains how proximity to water can lower stress, increase feelings of calm and contentment, enhance creativity, and even improve our interactions with others.
The Shift encourages you to call upon blue mind while trying to create eating experiences that honour your trip.
For those dealing with high levels of stress and preoccupation with issues like losing weight, find more time for blue mind, or finding ways to connect with bodies of water, whether it's the ocean, a lake, river or even a swimming pool or fountain, can have therapeutic effects and help put us in a healthier state of mind.
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