VITAMIN SEA

How to reap the health-boosting benefits of a day at the beach

When researchers from the London School of Economics set out to discover where in the country we’re happiest, one type of location shone out: marine and coastal environments were found, by some distance, to be the outright winner. In one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind, 20,000 smartphone users were asked to record their sense of wellbeing at random intervals. More than a million pieces of data were collected, revealing that participants’ happiness levels were approximately six points higher for seaside environments than for urban. The researchers equated it to “the difference between attending an exhibition and doing housework”.

Whether you enjoy a blustery walk along a coastal path or a 99 ice cream while wiggling your toes in warm sand, most of us recognise the therapeutic effects of a day at the seaside. Victorian doctors used to prescribe the ‘sea air’ as a cure for an assortment of maladies. But while we’ve long had a hunch about the health benefits of the beach, we now have the research to prove it. Thanks to pioneering work from scientists in this emerging field, we’re beginning to understand why the seaside can be just what the doctor ordered and – more importantly – how we can make the most of it.

EMBRACE THE BIG BLUE

While the health benefits of green spaces are well documented, the healing effects of ‘blue spaces’ are less well known. A ‘blue space’ could be by a river, lake or even fountain. But research suggests the impact is most powerful beside the sea. “Coastal environments can be very dynamic,” notes environmental psychologist Dr Michelle Tester-jones, who works at the University of Exeter on Bluehealth, an international research programme exploring links between blue spaces and health. “People who are depressed or anxious tend to ruminate on negative thoughts. We’ve found that coastal locations, which can look completely different from one day to the next, draw your attention away from yourself. Cognitively, this gives your brain a ‘rest’ and feels restorative.” Even a daytrip to the beach can reboot your mood. “People who visit the coast at least twice weekly tend to experience better mental health,” adds Dr Lewis Elliot, also of the Bluehealth project.

WORK THE AWE FACTOR

Spending time near a beautiful seascape can cue a sense of wonder, which a growing body of research suggests has a host of benefits for our mental and physical health. One study showed that just looking at awe-inspiring images activated areas of the nervous system that control relaxation levels, while another suggested it helped subjects think more clearly. As Dr Tester-jones puts it, “The sea’s constancy and vastness can feel comforting.”

To capitalise on these benefits, seek out scenes that induce a sense of awe, especially if they feel vast or ‘bigger’ than you. Exploring an unfamiliar beach can increase the likelihood of these moments, as can walking along a coastal path where the scene around you is ever changing. When you do find yourself struck by an incredible view, give it more than a fleeting glance. Stand still, breathe deep and allow a couple of minutes to let it all sink in.

DITCH THE FLIP-FLOPS

Nothing quite beats the feeling of warm sand between your toes and it seems that losing your shoes comes with other advantages, too. Julie Hanson was known as the ‘Barefoot Ranger’ when she led barefoot walks for the National Trust along the South West Coast Path. These days, she’s the Barefoot Pedlar and wanders on beaches and through coastal villages, selling wares made from salvaged materials. “When you walk without shoes, it helps work all the muscles in your feet and strengthens your ankles. It can improve your posture and balance,” says Julie, who started barefooting over a decade ago when a podiatrist suggested it after a running injury.

Going shoeless also allows the sand to ‘massage’ the soles of your feet. The rough grains act as an exfoliant, shifting dead skin and boosting circulation. And, as Julie says, it makes you feel more rooted to nature: “Experiencing different textures and temperatures beneath your feet connects you to the environment and enhances your other senses.”

RIDE THE SOUND WAVES

It’s no coincidence that the rhythmic ebb and flow of the sea is the soothing soundtrack in many spas. In fact, a study by the National Trust found it can even make you sleep better. “Listening to waves is a form of mindfulness and there’s strong research linking this with a reduction in depression and anxiety,” Dr Tester-jones explains. “Of course, you can practise mindfulness anywhere but the coast is particularly stimulating for the senses.” For a

“People who visit the coast at least twice weekly tend to experience better mental health”