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Water is often at the center of the vacations we miss most, the landscapes we photograph, and the peaceful moments we dream of. The sea view stretching to the horizon, the waves crashing against the shore, or the serenity created by a still lake evoke similar emotions in many people. But could the reason for this simply be that water looks beautiful? The concept of "Blue Mind" offers an intriguing answer to this question, presenting a different perspective on the calming and rejuvenating effects of water.
Let's take a closer look at the concept of Blue Mind and why we feel better when we are near the water.

What is Blue Mind?

Blue Mind is a concept coined by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols and shared with broad audiences through his book of the same name. It emphasizes that being in or near water creates positive effects on the human body and mind. According to this approach, aquatic environments such as seas, lakes, and rivers help people feel calmer, more relaxed, and more peaceful.
Forgetting your to-do list for a while while walking on the beach, feeling time flow more slowly while watching the waves, or resting better in an environment with a water view... Blue Mind focuses precisely on the psychological and neurological factors behind these experiences.
The sound, color, movement, and feel of water on the skin can bring about a series of positive effects on the body and mind:

• It can contribute to reducing cortisol levels, known as the stress hormone.
• It can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, supporting the body's transition into rest and recovery mode.
• It can help slow down the heart rate and breathing rhythm.
• It can support the release of dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin hormones associated with well-being.
• It can enhance focus, problem-solving skills, and creativity.

This powerful effect of water can be linked to its fundamental role in human life. Throughout history, settlements have been established around water sources; people lived close to water to access drinking water and food. Therefore, water is a natural element deeply associated with the continuity of life.
In addition, the visual appearance and movement of water appeal to the way the mind perceives things. For instance, when you look at the sea, the landscape before you remains largely constant: the horizon line is in place, and you do not need to constantly process new information to make sense of your surroundings. While this predictability relaxes the mind, the waves, reflections, and rhythmic movements provide subtle, gentle surprises for the brain.

In Which Environments Can the Blue Mind Experience Be Felt?

One of the points that makes the Blue Mind approach so interesting is that it does not limit the bond formed with water to just a few experiences. The environments most commonly associated with this experience are natural water sources such as seas, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. In addition, taking a shower, relaxing in a bathtub, listening to the sound of rain, or even watching an aquarium can be listed among the different reflections of the Blue Mind experience. Spending even about 20 minutes near water can have positive effects on your mood.
As the time spent near water increases and water landscapes become a part of daily life, this experience can yield much better results for the body and mind. For this reason, you can make plans at certain times of the year to wake up, open your blinds, and greet a sea view.

For Breaks Close to the Water: Elite World Hotels & Resorts

To bring the serene effect created by water into different moments of your day, you can evaluate the accommodation options of Elite World Hotels & Resorts in city centers and vacation destinations.

At Elite World Marmaris, it is possible to start the day with different shades of the sea and enjoy the view stretching along the coast. On the other hand, Elite World Resort Mersin Silifke, with its seafront location, can host the peaceful moments you have dreamed of all year against the Mediterranean. If you would like to spend time in Kuşadası one of the most vibrant routes of the Aegean this summer Elite World Kuşadası awaits to welcome you with its close proximity to the shore and spaces opening up to beautiful views.

Our guests whose paths lead to Van can complete their day against the serene waters around Lake Van after enjoying a rich Van breakfast at Elite World Van. Of course, another reflection of the comfortable service concept is in the Black Sea! You can visit Elite World Comfy Samsun Atakum to enjoy professional accommodation services while feeling the freshness of the Black Sea waters.

If you wish to experience the comfort of Elite World Hotels & Resorts while gazing at the sea view of Istanbul, Elite World Grand İstanbul Küçükyalı awaits you. After wrapping up your business in the city, you can dine against the view of the sea and the Princes' Islands.

Moreover, you can experience the relaxing sensation of water in various ways across all our hotels. You can carve out time for yourself at the Fit Life SPA & Health Center with many experiences, including indoor and outdoor pools, Turkish baths, and adventure showers.