Everyone has those days where nothing seems to go right. Maybe you received a bad grade on an assignment, had a fight with your friend, or can’t seem to get on with your manager at your part-time job. When you’re feeling down, it’s important to seek healthy ways to improve your mood. Options include exercise, journaling, or taking some deep breaths. However, one solution seems to beat all of these: spending time by the water. This is Blue Mind Theory.

Blue Mind Theory Explained

If you’ve ever noticed how much more relaxed you feel when you’re close to water, you’ve experienced Blue Mind Theory for yourself. It refers to the sense of calm you gain from being in or around water. Just looking at the water is enough to ease your worries and make you happier.

Blue Mind Theory has been trending recently, but it’s not a new concept. Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols first explored the idea in his best-selling book Blue Mind back in 2015. In the book, he discusses how being near, in, on, or under water improves health and happiness. He looks at cases of people who are top of their fields (including athletes, artists, and scientists) to show how being close to water improves performance, lowers anxiety, and is the key to success.

How to Use Blue Mind Theory

The great thing about Blue Mind Theory is there are many options. Even spending 20 minutes near water may be enough to put your problems into perspective, reduce your stress, and get you back on track to achieve your goals. However, if you’re in serious need of some blue time, try to immerse yourself, such as through a day trip (or even a longer vacation) to a body of water. This is effective if you go alone or with others. If your friends are also stressed, you may like to go together — for instance, you could make it a regular event right before exams.

Possible options to take advantage of Blue Mind Theory include:

• Taking a trip to the beach
• Going to a lake
• Walking along the riverbank
• Sitting next to a fountain in the park
• Swimming in a pool — or even just dipping your toes in
• Practising water sports, such as kayaking, sailing, rafting, and jet skiing

Once you’re near the water and enjoying a specific activity or just relaxing, don’t feel like you need to do anything else. Let the water do its magic — you’ll feel a weight being lifted from your shoulders.

You may not always be able to reach water when you’re stressed. For these occasions, the next best thing is relaxing in your student rentals. Ottawa has the perfect housing at THEO. Choose between your own apartment, a private bedroom in an apartment with roommates, or a shared room — whatever matches your lifestyle and budget. When you need a blue fix, you’ll be able to take the short walk to the river. Plus, you’ll also be able to blow off steam in the rec room, movie lounge, and the basketball court. Contact us for details about special promotions for immediate occupancy.