The Bougie ‘Blue Zone’

Small Habits, Slower Days & the Pursuit of a Well-Lived Life

I realized something early one morning while out walking — passing small gaggles of elderly ladies and the occasional persistent gander of men — that one of the quiet keys to a long, good life is not just movement, but community.

Rarely did I see anyone truly alone. And if I did, it was almost certain another person of a similar age was following just a few steps behind. The sidewalks felt alive in a way that had nothing to do with urgency and everything to do with presence. People were out together, moving their bodies, greeting one another, gathering simply to be — and it got my wheels turning.

You may have gathered from my lifestyle that I’ve been afforded the luxury of spending my winters in much the same climate as my summers. While I’m deeply grateful for that, I’ve come to realize it can also blur the natural rhythms that fall and winter insist upon — seasons meant for slowing, reflecting, and resting. Being perpetually productive, perpetually “on,” doesn’t always align with the quieter wisdom of longevity.

Watching the women in my own family age has shaped my understanding of longevity more than any study ever could. My mother, Deborah, was granted 71 years — years filled with love, grit, humor, and a quiet elegance that still guides me. My Nana, Berenice, lived an extraordinary 104 years, moving through the world with independence, curiosity, and an enduring sense of purpose. And then there was my grandmother Joyce, who lived to 92 — steady, warm, and deeply rooted in the rhythms of daily life.

None of these women lived in what the world would call a Blue Zone, and yet each embodied so many of its principles without naming them as such. They nurtured relationships, honored routine, took pride in their homes, and understood that living well wasn’t about excess — it was about intention. Their lives are my proof that longevity isn’t reserved for distant islands or romanticized villages; it can be cultivated anywhere, even quietly, one thoughtful day at a time.

That curiosity led me down a path I couldn’t ignore: the concept of the world’s Blue Zones — five places on earth where people consistently live longer, healthier lives than the rest of the population. They feel almost mythical at first glance. Naturally, I wanted to know everything.

How do they live their days?
What do they eat?
How much do they move?
What role does family play?
Do they prioritize rest?
Are they spiritual?
What do their homes look like?

If this is your first time hearing about the Blue Zones, you may find yourself asking the same questions. But if my Nana’s life has taught me anything, it’s this: living long and intentionally is not reserved for faraway islands or Mediterranean villages. It is possible — even in Cleveland, Ohio.

So rather than packing up and moving across the world, I began adopting what I could. Small shifts. Gentle habits. Cornerstones of daily life that root me in health, connection, and meaning.

What follows is not a prescription — it’s an invitation.

If you are not familiar with the Blue Zones, they are regions where people don’t just live longer — they live better. The most studied include Sardinia (Italy), Okinawa (Japan), Ikaria (Greece), Nicoya (Costa Rica), and Loma Linda (California).

What’s fascinating is that they don’t rely on extremes. No obsession with biohacking. No constant striving. Instead, longevity is woven quietly into everyday life — through movement, purpose, food, faith, and, most importantly, belonging.

Ways that I have created my own “Bougie Blue Zone,” inspired by my daily life and those five magical locations, that anyone can adopt anywhere:

I move naturally every day. If you’ve read my blog post about my lower-level gym and my new mouvement initiative, you’ll understand how intentional this has been for me. Not necessarily punishing workouts (at least not all the time), but walking, gardening, cooking, tidying, wandering — bookstores are my favorite. I want to make sure I can continue doing the things I love as part of my daily rituals.

I focus on building community instead of convenience. I know it’s quicker to squeeze in fitness alone or eat in the car between commitments, but there is something magical about moments shared — enjoying a meal together, walking side by side, or simply being present with people you love. Evening walks with family, hosting tastings with my girlies, or showing up when someone needs a lending hand are all ways I nurture my own sense of community.

I eat seasonally and simply, with intention. I’ve made a concerted effort to buy only what I know we’ll eat each week and to stock my pantry with thoughtful staples for ease and emergencies. Eliminating convenience foods, like pre-shredded cheese, has opened my eyes to new flavors and new ways of preparing food. Finding joy in the process has made meals feel more nourishing and more fulfilling.

I wake up with purpose. Most inhabitants of Blue Zones have established reasons to get going each morning — whether that’s tending their homes, caring for others, or contributing to their community. I take pride in my homemaking, and I pour my creative energy into writing and cultivating this online haven for you, Bougie Babes.

I am learning to be mindful about resting. In our fast-paced world, rest can feel foreign, but it needs to be woven into daily life — not treated as a reward. Taking intentional pauses, unplugging during an afternoon coffee, or allowing myself to take a deep breath while folding freshly laundered clothes has become important to me. I used to watch my grandmother Joyce spend reflective time alone, completely lost in her thoughts and always at peace. It was her way of honoring all she had done and all she still was. Moments alone, without distraction, are like a spa day for the soul.

I maintain reflective practices and spirituality. Quiet gratitude, journaling, and honoring ritual have a way of restoring confidence, health, and perspective. Memory-keeping feels like a way of honoring my family’s lineage — something I hope will echo into the next generations.

I try to maintain life in slow motion. Keeping the chaos of the world at bay by protecting my own pace and rhythm. Blue Zone residents are not chasing deadlines or efficiency — they are present in their days. I remind myself that I don’t need to move at the speed of everyone around me. When someone cuts me off in traffic, I slow down, change lanes, and take it as an invitation to breathe.

All of these Blue Zone ways of life can be adopted into your own routines and rituals — not overnight, but gently, over time. See how many you can incorporate over the next six months or even a year. It’s not just about adding years to your life — it’s about adding life to the years you have.

While I never intend to uproot and move to one of these majestic Blue Zones, I do believe I can practice their same pillars of wellness right where I am, and hopefully find myself living a good, long, intentional life.