Shape Magazine

Water, in all of its forms, is hugely therapeutic—and you can reap the mind-body benefits in the winter too.

You probably have some fond memories of being around water: the beach you grew up going to, the seas you snorkeled in on your honeymoon, the lake behind your grandmother's house.

There's a reason these memories make you feel calm: Research shows that aquatic scenes can help you bust stress and find joy. In fact, people who live along coastlines tend to be happier and healthier than people who don't, according to the European Centre for Environment & Human Health.

"Water makes you happier, healthier, more connected to other people, and better at what you do," says Wallace J. Nichols, Ph.D., the author of Blue Mind.

This makes sense. Humans have used water for its healing properties for years. Our own bodies are made up of 60 percent water. "When NASA searches the universe for life, their simple mantra is 'follow the water,'" says Nichols. "While you can live without love, go far without shelter, survive a month without food, you won't make it through the week without water."

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