The Psychology Of Self-Discovery: What Boat Are You In?

Psychology is a broad and diverse field that explores the human mind and behaviour. It is the scientific study of thought, behaviour, development, personality, emotion, motivation, and more. The field is so wide-ranging that several subfields and specialities have emerged, including abnormal, biological, clinical, cognitive, and comparative psychology.

Psychology is both an applied and academic field, with a large part of the discipline devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. However, psychology also plays a role in improving our understanding of why people behave as they do, the factors that influence the human mind, and the issues that impact our health, daily life, and well-being.

Psychologists use objective scientific methods to understand, explain, and predict human behaviour. They study the biological influences, social pressures, and environmental factors that affect how people think, act, and feel.

The emotional, behavioural and psychological benefits of being near, in, on or under water

Water has been shown to have a profound impact on emotional, behavioural and psychological well-being. This impact has been termed the "Blue Mind Theory" by marine biologist and author Dr. Wallace J. Nichols. The theory suggests that being close to water, such as seas, lakes, rivers or streams, can induce a meditative state of calm, peace, unity and happiness, known as the "Blue Mind".

Emotional Benefits

The emotional benefits of being near water are significant. The sound and sight of water promote wellness by lowering cortisol (the stress hormone), increasing serotonin and inducing relaxation. The colour blue, which is often associated with calmness, relaxation and tranquility, may also play a role in the emotional benefits of being near water. The mere act of staring out at a body of water can induce a sense of calm and contentment.

Behavioural Benefits

Water has the ability to promote mindfulness and reflection. The sound of waves crashing and the sight of water rising and ebbing can put our minds at ease and trigger positive memories and feelings. Water also invites us to engage in physical activities such as swimming, surfing, boating or walking on beaches, all of which can improve our mental health.

Psychological Benefits

The psychological benefits of being near water are extensive. Water can help to reduce stress and anxiety, boost creativity and improve mental energy. The rhythmic ebbing and flowing of waves can de-stimulate the brain and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation. The smell of sea air is also associated with tranquillity, as the oxygen atoms near water contain extra electrons, which can help treat seasonal affective disorder.

Overall, being near, in, on or under water can have a profound impact on our emotional, behavioural and psychological well-being. The Blue Mind Theory suggests that water may be the key to long-term happiness and a more fulfilling life.

The 'Red Mind' and 'Blue Mind' states

The Red Mind and Blue Mind states are concepts popularized by marine biologist Dr. Wallace Nichols in his book "Blue Mind". These states refer to the different ways in which our minds can be influenced by our surroundings and activities.

The "Red Mind" state is characterized by stress, anxiety, and fear. It is a result of the constant stressors of modern life, such as work, money, urbanization, and our constant connection to technology. In this state, we tend towards pessimism, self-centredness, and are only able to handle simple tasks. We are heavily reliant on the more primitive parts of our brain, which control automatic processes such as body temperature and heart rate, as well as emotions, feelings, moods, and emotional memory.

On the other hand, the "Blue Mind" state is a mildly meditative state characterized by calmness, peacefulness, unity, and general happiness. This state is often associated with being near, in, on, or under water, as well as other activities that disconnect us from the stressors of modern life and reconnect us with nature. Spending time in nature, and especially near water, has been shown to lower cortisol, increase serotonin, and induce relaxation. In the Blue Mind state, we are optimistic, collaborative, and creative, and we are able to handle complex tasks and higher-order learning. This state draws on the more modern parts of our brain, which are responsible for awareness, self-identity, impulse management, and our ability to imagine a future different from today.

The Red and Blue Mind states are not absolute, and it is possible to move between them. For example, engaging in activities that utilize the Blue Mind state, such as boating or fishing, can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Additionally, focusing our attention on the needs of others and practicing mindful behaviours can help to build our capacity for the Blue Mind state and reduce Red Mind activity.

Overall, understanding the Red and Blue Mind states can provide valuable insights into the psychology of human behaviour and the impact of our environment on our mental health and well-being.

The psychology of living on a boat

Living on a boat is an appealing prospect for many, offering a unique and exciting experience. However, it also comes with challenges and a different lifestyle that requires careful planning and adaptation. The psychology of living on a boat involves considering both the thinking and feeling aspects of this decision.

Thinking vs. Feeling

The "thinking part" of your brain might point out the potential drawbacks of living on a boat, such as limited space, higher costs, and the perception of instability among colleagues. It involves a lot of practical considerations, such as the costs of boat maintenance, marina fees, and insurance premiums. However, the "feeling part" of your brain wins out for many people, with the sense of freedom, connection to nature, and the appeal of a maritime lifestyle.

Benefits of Living on a Boat

Living on a boat offers a sense of freedom and adventure that is hard to replicate on land. It provides the ability to explore different coastal places, discover new cities, and enjoy the tranquility of being surrounded by water. This lifestyle can also lead to a simpler life with reduced possessions, lower costs compared to conventional housing, and the potential for energy self-sufficiency through renewable energy systems.

Challenges of Living on a Boat

However, there are also challenges to consider. Limited space can affect comfort and storage options. Managing potable water and energy can be difficult, and variable weather conditions can impact safety and comfort. Living on a boat may also require adapting to a smaller space, learning nautical skills, and dealing with the perception of instability from others.

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

Being near, in, on, or under water provides emotional, behavioral, and psychological benefits. Research has shown that the sight and sound of water promote wellness by lowering cortisol levels, increasing serotonin, and inducing relaxation. Boating can trigger a "Blue Mind" state, characterized by calmness, peacefulness, and happiness. It allows individuals to disconnect from the stressors of daily life, technology, and urbanization, leading to improved emotional well-being.

Living on a boat is a decision that requires careful consideration of both the thinking and feeling aspects. While there are challenges, many people find the sense of freedom, adventure, and connection to nature to be a rewarding and unique experience.

The thrill of the hunt

Erich Fromm, a notable behavioural psychologist, writes:

> "In the act of hunting, the hunter returns to their natural state, becomes one with the animal, and is freed from the burden of his existential split: to be part of nature and to transcend it by virtue of his consciousness. In stalking the animal he and the animal become equals, even though man eventually shows his superiority by use of his weapons."

The act of hunting or fishing provides an opportunity to connect with nature and tap into our evolutionary past. It is a chance to escape the modern world, with its constant connection to technology, and find satisfaction in providing for ourselves.

The open sea is a great leveller, reducing even the toughest individuals to their most vulnerable forms. It is in these extreme circumstances that our true characters are revealed. The sea can bring out the best in us, as we mature into capable, gritty crew members, or it can bring out the worst, as the failure to socialise leads to conflict and even violence.

The skipper of a boat has a responsibility to recognise these psychological changes and address them before they become critical. A good skipper must be able to identify the 'radiators' and the 'drains' among the crew. Radiators are warm, gregarious people with a positive attitude, while drains are cold, selfish individuals who can ruin crew harmony.

A skipper must also set clear rules and expectations, as the confined space of a boat can breed resentment if issues are not addressed. It is crucial to establish a well-disciplined ship, where democracy does not exist and the skipper's word is law, to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew.

The sea can be a transformative force, bringing us closer to our natural state and providing a thrilling escape from the mundane.

The skipper's responsibility in recognising psychological changes in their crew

The skipper of a boat has a huge responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of their crew, and this includes being aware of and recognising psychological changes in crew members. This is particularly important when a small number of individuals are locked together in a restricted space and deprived of comfort or sleep.

The Skipper's Responsibility

The skipper must be aware of the psychological changes that may occur in their crew and address them before they become critical. This involves being clear about the responsibilities and expectations of the crew before leaving the harbour. It is the skipper's job to ensure good morale among the crew, which is vital to the success of the voyage.

Identifying Personality Types

A skipper should honestly appraise each member of their crew. On a long ocean voyage, the presence of "drains"—cold, selfish individuals who suck the life out of those around them—will be lethal to crew harmony and their negative attitude will certainly cause problems. "Radiators", on the other hand, are people who exude warmth and good feeling. They are gregarious and generous in their attitude and always have a "never say die" spirit.

Ground Rules

Before leaving port, the skipper should explain that onboard, democracy does not exist and that the skipper makes the final call. However, it is also important for the skipper to reach out to the crew and gain their input, and to ensure that the crew knows that the skipper has the experience and knowledge to make the right decisions.

Addressing Issues

Issues such as untidiness, unevenly shared duties, and lateness for watch can create resentment among the crew and should be addressed early on. The skipper should also be aware of the unique dynamics that can occur between mixed-sex crews who are confined in a small area for long periods of time.

Alcohol and Smoking

Many skippers run an entirely dry ship, and it is important to have clear rules about alcohol consumption to avoid accidents. Smoking should also be prohibited due to the risk of damage to the yacht.

Safety Briefings

A proper crew and safety briefing should be conducted before every trip, regardless of the experience of the crew. This gives the entire crew a safe feeling onboard and helps to ensure that everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

In summary, the skipper of a boat has a responsibility to be aware of and address the psychological changes that may occur in their crew. By setting clear expectations, fostering good morale, and conducting thorough safety briefings, the skipper can help ensure a successful and harmonious voyage.

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