Why a Walk by the Water Feels Different

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we explore the growing science of blue spaces—environments where water is a prominent feature—and what researchers have discovered about their effects on mood, stress, attention, and overall well-being.You'll learn why a waterfront walk may feel more restorative than a walk through a busy urban environment, how water captures our attention in unique ways, and what studies reveal about the mental health benefits of spending time near rivers, lakes, beaches, and other waterways.We'll also discuss practical ways to incorporate blue-space walks into your routine and how combining walking near water with mindful walking can create an even more enriching experience.Whether you're fortunate enough to live near the coast or simply have access to a local pond, stream, or riverwalk, this episode may inspire you to seek out a little more blue space on your next walk.SourcesPhysical and Mental Health Effects of Repeated Short Walks in a Blue Space Environment:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935120307076A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Blue Space and Health:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32971082/The Neighborhood Effect of Exposure to Blue Space on Elderly Individuals' Mental Health:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1353829220301301Connect with Why Walking Matters:Website: https://whywalkingmatters.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/why_walking_mattersListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.Check out WhyWalkingMatters.com Blog and become a subscriber for weekly walking tips! Share Your Walking Story Listen on YouTube Email us at: [email protected] to share topics you'd like to learn about.