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Living by the beach is more than a luxury lifestyle choice. Although it may be perceived as a high-end option, research supports the argument that beach living can contribute to well-being. Read on to discover how living at the beach can affect your physical and mental health.
Physical Health Benefits
Improved Respiratory Health
Being near the ocean can benefit respiratory health, particularly for those suffering from asthma or allergies. According to experts, beaches typically have lower pollen counts, and ocean air is often free of pollutants and irritants commonly found in urban environments. In addition, sea air contains iodine, salt, magnesium, and other minerals that promote overall respiratory health.
Cardiovascular Advantages
The pleasant sea air and scenic surroundings in most beach areas encourage regular exercise. Those exercise options available at the beach—swimming, jogging, paddleboarding, etc.—lower blood pressure, decrease the risk of developing diabetes, reduce inflammation, and help maintain a healthy body weight, which, in turn, promotes cardiovascular health.
Accelerated Workouts
Working out in the sand by walking, running, or playing games increases calorie burn and builds more muscle than exercising on other surfaces. As sand moves under your feet, it forces your joints into a broader range of motion. The moving sand improves balance by helping to stabilize lower joints and increasing strength in the calf, arch, and ankle.
Vitamin D Boost
Exposure to natural sunlight helps the body produce Vitamin D, which is essential for bone health. Vitamin D also helps fight depression, cancer, and muscle weakness and improves immune system functionality.
Mental Health Perks
Stress Reduction
The sound of waves, the smell of the seawater, and the view of the horizon promote the production of serotonin, which triggers a calming physiological response. This boost in overall mood allows for increased focus and mental clarity.
Enhanced Creativity
Beach living promotes the Blue Mind effect, which is a mildly meditative state that can occur by being near or in water. Studies show that once in this state, serotonin levels increase, which reduces stress and, therefore, can stimulate creativity and boost problem-solving abilities.
Improved Sleep Quality
The colliding water at the ocean’s shore creates negatively charged ions, known as the Lenard Effect. These negative ions are known to positively affect mood and sleep quality, benefiting overall mental health and cognitive functioning.
Practical Considerations
While the benefits are substantial, it is essential to consider potential downsides, such as the cost of living and the risk of natural disasters. It is also crucial to note that while beach living is beneficial, it is not a substitute for medical treatment.
The body of research indicates that beach living can offer several physical and mental health benefits, ranging from improved respiratory and cardiovascular health to stress reduction and enhanced creativity. Although more research is needed to fully explore these benefits, the existing evidence makes a compelling case for the therapeutic effects of the beach lifestyle.