In recent weeks, scientists have been extolling the virtues of living by the sea. Like sand and salt water, sea air has many health benefits, both physical and mental.
Here are three such virtues that might convince you to swap the hustle and bustle of the city for the soothing sound of the waves.
Source of wellbeing
Published in May in the journal “Communications Earth & Environment”, the most recent study on the subject was carried out by researchers at the University of Vienna on over 15,000 people from 15 countries, including Australia, Italy, France and the United Kingdom.
The findings reveal that living near or visiting the seaside can be beneficial for health and wellbeing, regardless of country or income level.
With more physical activity, less pollution, more social interaction and, above all, less stress, life by the sea has all the right ingredients to help recharge batteries and promote relaxation.
“It is striking to see such consistent and clear patterns across all 15 countries,” the study’s lead author explained in a news release. “We now demonstrate that everybody seems to benefit from being near the seaside, not just the wealthy.
“Although the associations are relatively small, living near and especially visiting the coast can still have substantial effects on population health.”
Sleep-boosting powers
In addition, sea air can help you gain dozens of minutes of sleep per night. And that’s not insignificant, considering that sleep improves cognitive function and physical recovery, boosts the immune system, and promotes good heart health, among other things.
A study carried out on the initiative of the UK National Trust in 2015, and relayed by the “Guardian”, found that a walk by the sea resulted in an average of 47 minutes more sleep, compared with “just” 12 minutes more for a walk inland.
“It’s clear there is something really special about the coast that can allow people to boost their mood, relax and sleep,” said environmental psychologist Dr Eleanor Ratcliffe, who carried out the research.
The study also points out that this type of coastal walk encourages more reflective thoughts, particularly about childhood and family, and introspection.
Breathing in the benefits
From negative ions – the concentration of which increases with moving water – and iodine to the purity of the air compared to urban environments, it’s a good idea to breathe deeply when you’re walking by the sea. In fact, these elements can help promote respiratory health.
But that’s not all: living on the coast also allows you to load up on a host of micronutrients found in the sea breeze. Talk about a breath of fresh air!
Moreover, it’s a fact that salt water unclogs and cleanses the nose to help ward off certain colds. So if you live by the sea, try taking a dip to enjoy these benefits, instead of buying a saline solution from the pharmacy.