This week JJ and Alexia take a detour from the season arc. A research article about water's impact on consciousness came to their attention and they couldn't wait to explore the concept.

It begs the question this show always asks: Does water enable long-term change or just make you feel better in the short-term? The evidence for short-term benefits in certain contexts is reasonably solid. Research points to measurable improvements in anxiety, stress and mood from cold water swimming, flotation or even just looking at water. What the research doesn't tell us at this stage is whether water can unequivocally effect a lasting shift in consciousness.

Both JJ and Alexia explore the research in the light of their own experiences with water. JJ feels swimming most days in the North Sea has expanded her consciousness, probably. Alexia isn't convinced.

Both agree we need much more research into the concept. There are too many variables including a person's state, water temperature, how the water moves, environment and community to be able to make any immediate assumptions.

Until then, the jury's out and water may be the most universally used but least rigorously examined tool in the wellbeing space.

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