Coastal living often gets a bad rap. Having lived in the Grimsby/Cleethorpes area all my life, I can understand where this notion comes from. Seaside towns are generally the end of the line, meaning unemployment is often higher than other areas, while opportunities are lower.
I’m always spotting headlines about how areas like mine are the unhealthiest in the UK, but what they fail to mention is how living near the beach can support good mental health.
This huge piece of information is often overlooked when the media reports on coastal living. Instead of dwelling on the negatives of a coastal area, below are some positives about living by the seaside.
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How Living Near the Beach Can Support Good Mental Heath
Mental health can often be overlooked when considering the bigger picture of an area. And while all towns and cities will have their problems with residents suffering from various mental issues, we shouldn’t forget the opportunities seaside living brings to supporting good mental health.
Pushing the benefits of coastal living means that they’re out there in the wider world. These benefits might not have been considered by residents who grew up near the tide and take it for granted. If we all take advantage of what’s on our doorstep, then looking after our mental health could easily become second nature.
Below are the best reasons living by the beach can help you work on your mental wellbeing.
Coastal air is often better quality
Mindfulness, meditation and anything else that supports mental health begins with deep breathing. Oxygen is essential for brain function, and poor air quality can leave you feeling tired and sluggish.
Seaside air is usually cleaner than that of its inland counterparts. This means less soot, exhaust fumes and any other pollutants that city air tends to carry. Without the airborne nasties, your body gets more oxygen, which in turn can help keep you feeling good.
Another benefit of coastal air is that it contains tiny droplets of sea water, which is enriched with iodine, salt and magnesium. These micro droplets can stimulate certain immune reactions in the lungs, clearing the airways and in turn improving circulation. Improved circulation can help with increased brain functionality which may help lift your mood.
You don’t even have to be on the beach to feel the benefit, as the wind can transport them away from the beach into the local populated areas.
Higher oxygen levels of good air quality also lend themselves to better night’s sleep. One of the main ingredients for good mental health is regular, good quality sleep.
The sounds of the sea can calm your mind
There’s a reason white noise machines always have an ocean setting. The sound of waves lapping the shore is known for its relaxing effects and can be calming for the brain. The constant white noise of the sea can help the listener clear their heads and order their thoughts, reducing the effects of anxiety.
Unless you’re very lucky and live opposite the beach, it’s likely you’ll need to visit the beach at the tide times to notice the benefit of this one.
The beach presents more opportunities for exercise
Exercise and mental health have long been linked. It is thought that the effects of exercise can improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, as well as reduce issues with low self esteem and social withdrawal.
The good thing about the visiting the beach is that it’s free. You don’t need to pay the hefty prices of a gym, and you can still get a full body workout. Even just taking a long walk on the beach will help kick off those exercise endorphins and lift your mood. If you’re looking for something more intensive, you could join a running club that uses the beach, or even an exercise class if you’re willing to pay.
There are plenty of social opportunities
Having friends is priceless, not only is it lovely to have a chat and vent about the things that are bothering you, social contact in general is good for our mental health. Humans are social animals and need to make meaningful connections to help live a happy life.
Coastal towns present lots of opportunities for making new friends and starting new hobbies. If you’re new to the area, or have simply lost touch with friends over the years and you’re feeling lonely, there are plenty of ways to make friends by the sea.
Starting a new hobby is a great way to meet people, so booking group surf lessons or something in the water will help you find like-minded people. If that seems too adventurous for you, consider joining a beach walking club, where a group of you get out and walk on the sand.
Physical activity isn’t for everyone, so something like an art club where residents pain the beach might be more up your street.
Do you live near the beach, and have you been taking full advantage of the coast? Share this article with your friends who could use the inspiration!
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