Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols

If your dentist has an aquarium in your waiting room to help you relax….you may be interested in reading Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do by Wallace J. Nichols. 

Nichols begins by explaining some neuroscience background about water and its impact on humans.  About halfway through the book, he notes “modern day humans are drowning in a sea of overstimulation that exhausts us physically, mentally, and emotionally.” A marine biologist, Nichols continues discussing how being around water improves mental health, providing examples of numerous organizations that use water and water activities like surfing or fishing to help heal. He concludes the book by telling the “blue marble story” about sharing blue marbles in gratitude.

This book will make you think and hopefully help you to relax and lower stress.  Even better if you can read it in the quiet atmosphere suggested in the today’s Wall Street Journal article called "Read Slowly to Benefit Your Brain and Cut Stress."