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If you happen to live within walking distance from a shoreline, the classic tourist-shop saying rings true: An ocean breeze puts the mind at ease. In a new study published in the journal Health & Place, researchers surveyed 26,000 British adults and found that those who lived within a mile of the coast were 22 percent less likely to report mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Other factors, namely the socioeconomic status of participants, were also taken into consideration, and the journal found that the benefits of living near water are even greater for individuals with lower incomes. Time and time again, studies have shown the mental benefits of nature, including that “blue spaces” (coasts, lakes, and rivers, specifically) reduce psychological distress and mortality rates. A home, however small, by the sea could very well be good for your well-being.
That said, if you’re decidedly landlocked, there’s always a vacation to an ocean or a lake—and the opportunity to incorporate blue spaces into your home. A pool might be a bit out of your price range, but consider adding a decorative fountain or a good tub you can soak in. Just add water and prepare to feel better.
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