Health Archives

The Effects of Chronic Stress: When “Red Mind” Is in Overdrive

Why do humans have stress responses? When do these responses cross the line from being helpful to being harmful? What impact does chronic stress have on our minds and bodies? In Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols advocates the Blue Mind state—a serene experience that we sometimes have when we’re around water. The opposite is the Red Mind state, and he explains what happens when we’re in that state on an ongoing basis. Read more to learn about the effects of chronic stress.

The Blue Mind Effect: Why We’re Naturally Drawn to Water

Why do humans find water appealing? How does it engage our senses? Humans are attracted to the way water looks, feels, and sounds. Wallace J. Nichols calls this the Blue Mind effect. He lays out the multifaceted appeal of water in his book Blue Mind, explaining that our attraction to water goes beyond our need to survive. Read on to learn about the fascinating phenomenon of the Blue Mind effect.

The Ups & Downs of Jennette McCurdy’s Bulimia Recovery

How did Jennette McCurdy recover from bulimia? What led her to bulimia in the first place? Like child star Jennette McCurdy, many people around the world suffer from bulimia. For McCurdy, hers began as a result of her mother restricting her calories when she was a child, but McCurdy had a hard time believing her mother was harming her. Discover the tremendous story of Jennette McCurdy’s bulimia recovery, as described in her memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died.

Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols: Book Overview & Takeaways

Why are humans so drawn to water? How do we benefit by looking at, being near, and being in water? In Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols argues that water has a profound impact on our well-being and health because it induces a calming, meditative state he refers to as Blue Mind. He shares ways we can enjoy water’s benefits and discusses the challenges that some face in having access to water. Continue reading for an overview of this book that will have you thinking about water in a new way.

The Effects of Extreme Heat & How Cities Can Adapt

What’s behind the Earth’s rising temperatures? What are the effects of extreme heat? How can governments address the looming crisis? Global temperatures will hit record highs in the next five years, according to a report released last month by the World Meteorological Organization. There’s a 98% chance that in one of these years, the Earth will reach the hottest temperatures ever recorded. Keep reading to learn more about the impacts of extreme heat and what can be done to counter it.

The Unexpected Side Effects of Global Warming

How will global warming affect coffee and wine production? How does hot weather affect your libido and mental health? Aside from causing extreme weather events and the loss of polar bear habitats, there are other side effects of global warming that directly impact your day-to-day life. Hotter tempers, lower productivity, and even mornings without coffee may be in our future. Here, we discuss the impact that rising temperatures have on mental and physical health, leisure activities, and our daily routines.

How to Enjoy the Health Benefits of Aquatic Activities

Why are activities in and around water so satisfying? What are the health benefits of aquatic activities, and how can you take advantage of them? In Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols argues that water has a profound impact on our well-being and health because it induces a calming, meditative state, which he calls the Blue Mind state. He explains how people can benefit from swimming, surfing, diving, fishing, and boating. Continue reading to learn about several ways you can enjoy aquatic activities and reap their benefits.

“Blue Mind” Meaning: The Mental State That Water Creates

What does “Blue Mind” mean? How is it different from “Red Mind”? What contributes to these mental states? When you feel serene sitting at the beach, watching the waves, you’re likely experiencing Blue Mind. In his book Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols argues that water has a profound impact on our well-being and health because it induces a calming, meditative state, which he calls the Blue Mind state. Read more to understand Blue Mind’s meaning and why such a phenomenon exists.

6 Blue Mind Quotes From Wallace J. Nichols (With Context)

Why do you feel so serene sitting on the beach, looking out at the ocean? Why does the mere sound of waves calm you down? This is the Blue Mind experience. In the book Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols argues that water has a profound impact on our well-being and health because it induces a calming, meditative state. Read on for six Blue Mind quotes that will help you appreciate this fascinating book.

Jill Bolte Taylor’s Whole Brain Living: Book Overview

What is Jill Bolte Taylor’s Whole Brain Living about? How do the different parts of our brains work together like a team? When neuroscientist Jill Bolte Taylor suffered a stroke on the left side of her brain, her life as she knew it dissolved as she lost access to basic cognitive functions. Taylor’s key insight from her experience is that we can choose to access different parts of our brains. Read below for an overview of Whole Brain Living and how to improve your emotional well-being.