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The Blue Mind

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From Hurricanes to Epidemics

Abstract

The term “blue mind” was coined by neuroscientists and marine researchers to identify a personality trait that experiences a full awareness of water and its influence on life. The term describes the somewhat meditative state people fall into when near water. These benefits may be in response to the over-connected and over-stimulated state that is modern life. Research into this area reveals a well-documented benefit in not only mental but physical health as well in being near or on water. Destruction of marine habitats may represent a threat to these benefits.

We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea – whether it is to sail or to watch it – we are going back from whence we came.

—John Kennedy

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Correspondence to Kevin Conrad .

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Conrad, K., Cleland, R., Reyes, N. (2021). The Blue Mind. In: Conrad, K. (eds) From Hurricanes to Epidemics. Global Perspectives on Health Geography. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-55012-7_5

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