Are you a ‘blue mind’ HSP?

I’ve just returned from a week in a beautiful part of Ireland.  There were loughs and sea views round every corner.  And bays and beaches aplenty.

The sun shone every day, so the sky and the water were constantly blue.  I was in blue and water heaven.

I shared photos with friends.  One remarked on how relaxed and at ease I seemed.  It was true – my system was set to happiness.

The blog picture is me standing just inside the tide line of a small bay.  The only sounds were birds calling and the sea lapping.  The only sights were layers of blue, with a few clouds just for contrast.

It was a beautiful bubble.  Sooo peaceful.  Magical, even.

That uplifting impact isn’t just on me, I know lots of HSPs who are naturally drawn to the sea.  And it isn’t just a feeling, the draw and effects are rooted in science.

The term ‘blue mind theory’ was coined by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols in his 2014 book, ‘Blue Mind: How Water Makes You Happier, More Connected and Better At What You Do”.

The theory holds that being near, in, on or under the ocean has major benefits for our wellbeing.  As does listening to the sounds of the sea, whether we’re beside it or hearing recordings of it.

There’s so much more going on than we realise.  Nichols’ work drew on numerous scientific studies which showed how the sea helps us by:

activating the parasympathetic nervous system (which promotes relaxation and a meditative state)

releasing dopamine and serotonin (which reduce stress and enhance mood)

lowering cortisol levels (which improves overall well-being)

boosting cognitive function, focus, clarity, problem-solving and creativity.

So it’s not just our eyes and ears that respond to the sea, it’s our whole system.

If you’re interested, Carly Mallenbaum’s 2024 article references more and more recent research on the impacts and benefits of connection with the water.

Of course, none of this is exclusive to HSPs.  Just look at the numbers of people who flock to the seaside in good weather, who search it out on holidays and who relocated to the coast after Covid (lucky people!).

But, in my personal and professional experience, HSPs do tend to seek out sea views, connections and fixes far more often than most.  And to derive a deeper level of experience and benefit from them.

Are you one of the vitamin sea seekers?