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Summer obliges, scientific studies have been jostling for several weeks to extol the merits of a life by the sea, from Brittany to the Azuero peninsula in Panama. It must be said that the sea air, like sand and sea water, has many benefits for physical and mental health. Here are three that will no doubt convince you to swap the noise pollution of the city for the gentle sound of the waves.
Do we really need studies to say that life is less stressful by the sea than in the city centre? It is not surprising that the most relaxing time of the year, the summer period, is synonymous with sun, sand and salty air. This has not prevented a host of scientists from looking into the subject to confirm, or invalidate, this a priori irrefutable theory. Verdict, all studies of the genre are unanimous: living by the sea is beneficial for the health of body and mind. In other words, sea air, like sea water or the sound of the waves, is recommended for fighting stress, sleeping better, breathing better, improving self-esteem, and even enjoying a more beautiful skin. What more ?
A source of well-being
Published last May in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, the most recent study on the subject was carried out by researchers from the University of Vienna with more than 15,000 people from 15 countries, including Australia, Italy, France and the United Kingdom. The conclusions are clear: living by the sea is beneficial for health and well-being, regardless of country of origin or income level. More physical activity, less pollution, more social interactions, and above all less stress: all the ingredients are there to recharge your batteries and relax for a long time.
“It is striking to observe such consistent and clear patterns across the 15 different countries. We also demonstrate that everyone seems to benefit from proximity to the seaside, not just the wealthy. Although the associations are relatively weak, living near the coast and especially traveling there can have substantial effects on the health of the population.“, explained the main author of the study in a statement.
An ally for better sleep
The sea air would make it possible as a bonus to gain a few tens of minutes of sleep per night. Not insignificant if we consider that sleep improves cognitive functions and physical recovery, strengthens the immune system, and promotes good heart health, among other things. A study conducted at the initiative of the National Trust in 2015, relayed by The Guardiantaught us that a walk by the sea saved an average of 47 additional minutes of sleep, compared to ‘only’ 12 minutes more for a walk inland.
“It is clear that there is something special about walking along the coastline, which allows people to improve their mood, relax and sleep“, explained then Dr. Eleanor Ratcliffe, lecturer in environmental psychology. The study also specified that this type of walk on the coast favored positive thoughts, in particular in connection with childhood and the family, and even introspection. .
Better breathing
Between the negative ions, whose concentration increases with the movement of water, iodine, or even the purity of the air (less polluted than in town), it is recommended to breathe deeply when you walks by the sea. And for good reason, these elements stimulate the respiratory capacity. But that’s not all, living on the coast also allows you to fill up with a host of micro-nutrients present in the sea air. A real breath of fresh air. And as if that were not enough, it is well known that salt water helps to unclog and clean the nose to prevent certain colds. By living by the sea, you will only have to take the plunge to enjoy these benefits instead of getting a saline solution from a pharmacy.