THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON WATER. There's something about water that draws and fascinates us. No wonder: it's the most omnipresent substance on Earth and, along with air, the primary ingredient for supporting life as we know it. From far, far outside, our planet appears like a blue marble; from deep inside, we ourselves are three-quarters H2O. We know instinctively that being near water makes us happier, reduces stress and brings us peace. But why? And what might the answer tell us about how we should be living our lives? After centuries of asking those questions, we can finally answer them - and those answers are life changing. As Wallace J. Nichols reveals in Blue Mind , we are now at the forefront of a wave of neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and medical research that is illuminating the physiology and brain processes that underlie our transformative connection to water.

That research is uncovering remarkable truths about water's incredibly powerful and startlingly profound effects on our bodies and souls. Drawing upon this breakthrough science, as well as compelling personal stories from top athletes, leading scientists, military veterans and gifted artists, Nichols shows precisely how proximity to water can improve creativity, health and professional success, and reinforce our connection to the natural world - and each other. Blue Mind isn't just about oceans, lakes, and rivers - water's tremendous benefits stretch from the sea to the swimming pool, from a barrier reef to a glass of water - even a fish bowl, photograph or painting. No matter where you live on this blue marble, it's time to open your mind to Blue Mind .