Brits do love to be beside the seaside
23rd April 2012
Need an excuse to get away? A new study reports that being beside the coast has beneficial effects on emotional health
The Georgians and Victorians thought being beside the seaside was good for your health and modern science is now backing up their wisdom. Research has found that getting out and about in a natural environment was associated with positive feelings and emotions. But if happy-seekers want to reap the full benefits, the findings say they should head to the coast.
According to the report, being by the sea evoked by far more feelings of enjoyment, calmness and refreshment than taking a stroll in the park. Hiking in the countryside was also found to be beneficial. On the other hand, urban parks were considered the least advantageous of all outdoor environments.
These are the conclusions of Katherine Ashbully and Dr Mathew White, who over two years studied 2,750 people's interactions with different outdoor environments. Dr White said the British desire to be by the sea could reflect an "innate preference" for the sights and sounds of water.
So what health-related benefits does the coast have? Science has proclaimed that the waves alter brain patterns to a relaxed state, while the sea air improves our absorption of oxygen and balances the feel-good hormone serotonin. Wrap yourself in seaweed and you'll help replenish your bodies supplies of zinc and magnesium and by basking in the sun, you'll top up your vitamin D too.
The seemingly endless beneficial properties of the sea means we have yet another excuse to get away...
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