Psych Special Series - Water
🧠241/300 - Psychology of the fluid called Water
Psychology of Water
Part TWO of Thought/Research Writing.
Context: While traveling last month, I came across this idea of writing about a few topics in psychology & give you the valuable insights of these ‘simple’ topics in our lives to help you wonder & question.
Disclaimer: This series is an attempt to understand the concepts of certain subjects through the lenses of Psychology.
These are very broader topics and hence, this is an attempt to compile the points surrounding them. Your feedback will play an integral role as always.
Water is everywhere. Most of the earth is wrapped with the humongous sheets of water. But why think about water and what is the connection of this essential form of liquid with the psychology of our brain?
Let’s dive (pun intended) into the psychological aspects around ‘Water’.
It all began the moment I reached my stay, that was also near a small ‘ghat’ to a beautiful lake called ‘Pichola’ in Udaipur.
It triggered a soothing feeling, a sudden calmness and a shutdown of thoughts as the tiny waves of water started to mesmerize me with its glittering reflections.
For the next 2 days, my favorite tiny activity was to go & just look at the water.
Blue color psychology: The blue hues – whether they are deep blue or a tropical aquamarine – can lower people’s pulse rate and stress level and make them feel more relaxed. [1]
Difference of Air: Minerals in the sea air reduce stress; negatively charged ions in the sea air combat free radicals; salt in the water preserves tryptamine, serotonin and melatonin levels in the brain, which aid in diminishing depression or increasing your overall sense of wellness. [2]
Related: The Feelings that come Rain
Another beautiful experience of water is through Rain. There is something about living through the shifts in weather that are preceded by the weather of Rain.
The psychology behind how rain, mud, and water can affect our moods & create a nostalgic feeling is rooted in various factors:
1. Sensory Stimulation: Rain and water create sensory experiences that can be soothing. The sound of rain, the feel of mud or wet earth, and even the smell of rain-soaked soil can stimulate our senses. This sensory input can trigger positive emotions and memories.
2. Connection to Nature: Humans have an innate connection to nature. Being in natural environments, such as a rainy day in the countryside or walking in the rain, can evoke a sense of calm and nostalgia for a simpler time when our ancestors lived closer to nature.
3. Associations with Memories: Rain and mud are often associated with specific memories from childhood or significant life events. These memories can be positive and comforting, contributing to the nostalgic feeling.
4. Aesthetic Appeal: The visual aesthetics of rainy or muddy scenes can be pleasing to many people. The soft, diffused light, and the way raindrops create patterns on surfaces can be visually captivating, enhancing our mood.
5. Temporal Perspective: Rain and mud can slow down our pace and encourage introspection. This shift in tempo can lead to a feeling of nostalgia as we reflect on the past or contemplate our lives.
Related: The Sound of Water
The sound of rain profoundly influences our minds in several ways. It promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and aids in better sleep.
The rhythmic patter of raindrops can enhance focus and creativity, elevate mood, and trigger the release of feel-good hormones.
Moreover, rain sounds facilitate mindfulness and meditation practices, fostering a sense of connection to nature and providing psychological comfort reminiscent of shelter and safety.
The "white noise" effect of rainfall masks other sounds, making it a valuable tool for concentration and blocking out distractions.
In Conclusion: Water can be a tremendously helpful resource in improving your mental health.
Sources
https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/stories/mind/blue-color-psychology
https://psychcentral.com/blog/waters-psychological-benefits#2
https://www.pnnl.gov/science/images/highlights/cmsd/waterstory.pdf