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We’ve all heard about the benefits of green spaces—parks, trees, gardens—but fewer people know about blue spaces. Recent research out of the UK and Europe is helping define why being near water feels so good—and why it is so good for us.

What Are Blue Spaces? And What Counts as a Blue Space?

Blue spaces are bodies of water and areas near bodies of water. According to Dr. John La Puma, blue spaces can be natural, urban, indoor, or built. You don’t need a beach house to benefit. Here’s what qualifies:

• Oceans and seas

• Rivers, streams, and creeks

• Lakes and ponds

• Harbors, bays, estuaries

• Wetlands and canals

• Fountains and waterfalls

• Swimming pools

• Showers and tubs

• Aquariums

If there’s water—and you’re near it—it counts.

The Positive Effects of Being Near Bodies of Water

• Reduce stress.
Being near water helps lower cortisol and activate the body's calm response.

• Improve focus.
Water scenes reduce mental fatigue and help restore attention.

• Support emotional regulation.
The presence and sound of water helps stabilize mood and ease reactivity.

• Ease anxiety.
Natural water sounds (waves, rain, streams) reduce tension and encourage deeper breathing.

• Improve sleep.
Time in blue space environments can regulate circadian rhythm and support better rest.

• Encourages physical activity.
Walking or cycling releases endorphins—-the feel-good hormone generated by activity.

• More accessible than you think.
If you have a bathtub, a fountain, or even a running sink, you have a blue space.

Easily Create Your Everyday Blue Space

Bring awareness to what you’re already doing—taking a shower or bath, rinsing your veggies in the sink, sitting by a fountain—notice how you feel in that moment, physically, mentally, emotionally. These simple cues send real signals to your nervous system. They activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the part of your body that helps you slow down, feel safe, and recover from stress. That is mindfulness.

The more aware you are of how you feel, the more you can choose how you want to feel. You already have what you need—not just to create your everyday blue space, but to actually feel the benefits.

Just add water.

See you between the waves.

The Bougie Vida Team