BLUE-tiful Mind

By Rob Henderson, LASUDC, CTRS

As a dually licensed addiction counselor and recreation therapist, I have long been fascinated by the healing power of nature on the human mind. So intrigued, I’ve even built a therapy practice surrounding trekking in the backcountry, canyoneering, rock climbing, and floating the river. Most recently, however, it’s been this last activity, being on the water, that has caught my clinical attention.

I’m discovering a geyser of research about the incredible interactions between bodies of water and the human mind. As a refresher, not only is water a main life source for us but it also makes up 60 percent of our bodies, and our brains are a whopping 75 percent water. Also, don’t forget that the first nine months of life are spent submerged in water.

Water is not only a part of us and essential for survival but apparently, it has a wonderful effect on our psyche. Through brain imaging, research has shown that the mind prefers blue light to all other colors and that connecting with bodies of water floods our neural pathways with feel-good chemicals, increasing dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, while stress hormones, like cortisol, drift away. Furthermore, bodies of water help the brain relax, refocus, and reset, dipping us into a mildly meditative state. In short, healthy connections with water trigger a response that’s literally ”all in our head.”

This wave of research has also shown that humans enjoy water most when sharing the experience with those they love. This has encouraged some amazing applications of water for health and wellness. Ponds, pools, rivers, lakes, and oceans are now being used therapeutically. These therapies range from water therapy for wounded vets to rowing together as an additive cancer treatment.

Professionals from all disciplines are now navigating to the water, both individually and as teams, to get their creativity and cohesion flowing. Even elite athletes have found that floating calmly in water before a game turns on the “blue mind,” helping them clear their thoughts, find their zone, and perform at the highest levels. In fact, amazingly, the same year that the Golden State Warriors, the New England Patriots and the Chicago Cubs implemented floatation therapy for their players, they all won their respective national championships (does anyone, BTW, have Will Hardy’s cell number? ).

So what water options are available to us in this sweltering desert heat? Well, more than you might think, especially after such an abundant year of snowpack and rainfall! Check out the table below for some splashing summer resources that will cool you and your blue-tiful mind.

Additional resources: Blue Mind by Dr. Wallace J. Nichols

Lakes

Sand Hollow

Quail Creek Reservoir

Fire Lake Park

Ivins Reservoir

Tropic Reservoir

Kolob Reservoir

Gunlock and Gunlock Falls

Baker Reservoir

Ash Creek

Pine Valley Reservoir

Panguitch Lake (1.75 hours)

Navajo Lake (1.5 hours)

Aspen Mirror Lake (1.5 hours)

Lake Mead (1.5 hours)

Lake Mojave (3 hours)

Lake Havasu (4.5 hours)

Splash Pads

Thunder Junction

St. George Splash Pad

Hidden Valley Park

Pine View Splash Pad

Sienna Hills Park

Green Springs Park

Treasure Valley Park

Dixie Springs

Hurricane Splash Pad

Creeks, Rivers, Falls and National Parks

Toquerville Falls

Red Cliffs Recreation Area (seasonal waterfall)

Zion (Virgin River)

Canyonlands National Park (The Confluence)

Grand Canyon (Colorado River)

Willow Beach (Colorado River/Emerald Cove)

Pools and Water Parks

Sand Hollow Aquatic Center

St. George City Pool

Washington City Community Center

Hurricane City Pool

Island Swing

Local resorts (Veyo Pool, Las Palmas, etc.)

Cedar City Aquatic Center

Cowabunga Bay/Canyon (Las Vegas and Draper)

Splash Summit (Provo)

Lagoon-A-Beach (Farmington)

Local Ponds

Skyline Pond

Virgin River Park Pond

Cox Pond

Tawa Pond

Grandpa’s Pond

Razor Ridge Park Pond

The Boilers

Weekend Getaways/ Ocean Beaches (6+ Hour Drive)

Santa Monica State Beach

Zuma Beach

Laguna Beach

Venice Beach

San Clemente State Beach

Juniper Beach

Coronado Beach

Crystal Cove State Park

Water Activities Worth Considering

Swimming

Diving

Pool games

Water Exercises

Splash Pads

Boating

Towing/Boat Sports (water skiing, wakeboarding)

Personal Watercrafts

Rafting

Canoeing/Kayaking

Sailing

Windsurfing

Paddleboarding

Paddleboard Yoga

Skipping Stones

Surfing

Wading

Beach Bumming

About the Author

Rob Henderson is dually licensed in addiction counseling and recreation/experiential therapy and is a Wilderness First Responder. He also specializes in leisure and outdoor education, youth development, family systems, and parenting. He is best known for his ability to integrate play and a variety of adventures and backcountry pursuits into his private practice as well as with his family. Additionally, Rob is the executive director and co-founder of RITE Trainings, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that “provides for providers” effective, interactive, and affordable behavioral health training and education. Visit www.RITETrainings.org or www.ARETherapy.com to learn more.