The Health Benefits of Sea Air and Spending Time by the Coast
There's something wonderful about arriving at the sea, taking a deep breath, and hearing the waves roll onto the shore. Even on a chilly day, a walk along the coast can make us feel refreshed. And, if we're lucky enough to live near the ocean, it's one of those everyday pleasures we might not appreciate.
Could spending time by the sea be doing more than providing a lovely change of scenery? Research suggests that living near the coast and visiting it regularly may have genuine benefits for our physical and mental well-being.
Why Being Near the Sea Makes Us Feel Good
Scientists have a name for natural environments that feature water. They’re called blue spaces. And there's growing evidence that spending time in blue spaces might be good for us.
An international study examined the relationship between coastal environments and health in 15 countries. Researchers found that people who lived closer to the sea and those who visited it more often tended to have better general health. Another study, involving nearly 96,000 adults in England, found that visits to coastal areas had more benefits than visits to other natural environments.
Of course, these findings don't mean that a trip to the beach will cure our troubles. But, they do suggest that spending time near the water can be a great way to look after ourselves.
The Sea May Be Good for Our Mental Health, Too
There's a reason so many of us head for the coast when we need to clear our heads. Watching the waves or listening to the water can give us a welcome break from whatever has been occupying our thoughts.
And the potential mental health benefits aren't limited to occasional seaside holidays. Researchers studying folks over 50 in Ireland found that people with greater visibility of the sea from their homes had fewer symptoms of depression. The research found that people who could see the sea from their homes tended to have fewer symptoms of depression, regardless of how close they lived to the coast.
It seems that even looking out at the sea may have something to offer.
A Seaside Walk Comes With an Extra Benefit
We often talk about the benefits of sea air, but some of the healthiest parts of visiting the coast may come from what we do while we're there.
Walking is a wonderful example. A study of more than 21,000 people found that people who lived closer to the coast tended to have better physical and mental health.
Walking outdoors seemed to explain part of that connection, and it's easy to see the appeal. With the changing tides and boats passing in the distance, there's always something to look at. Before we know it, we may have walked farther than we intended.
As for the sea air itself, there's less evidence that breathing it in provides specific medical benefits. The fresh surroundings and opportunities to move our bodies may be doing most of the work.
Make the Seaside Part of Your Weekly Routine
If you live near the coast, you don't need to wait for a sunny Saturday to enjoy it. In fact, making seaside visits a regular habit might be one of the nicest things you can do for yourself. Here are a few simple ideas:
Take a Morning Walk: Start the day with a short stroll along the waterfront before getting caught up in everything else.
Make It a Weekly Date: Choose a regular day to visit the beach, either alone or with a friend.
Bring Your Coffee: A takeaway drink and a favorite bench can turn an ordinary afternoon into a pleasant little outing.
Enjoy the Changing Seasons: The sea is worth visiting in autumn and winter, too, provided the weather and coastal conditions are safe.
Leave Your Phone in Your Pocket: Spend a little time watching the water, rather than checking your notifications.
And if you live farther inland, you can still make a seaside visit something to look forward to whenever the opportunity arises.
Don't Save the Sea for the Summer
We tend to associate the sea with holidays and warm weather, but the coast has plenty to offer throughout the year. There's something lovely about a quiet beach in mid-October, especially when the summer crowds have disappeared. And, if you live within walking distance of the water, why not make the most of it?
This research gives us another reason to enjoy something so many of us already love. Whether it's a quick walk after work or a leisurely Sunday stroll, spending time by the sea could become one of the most enjoyable habits of your week. You might even find yourself looking forward to those colder, windier days when you have the beach entirely to yourself.
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