Being near the sea makes us feel calmer: it's why we often choose coastal destinations for our holidays.
Recent ‘Blue Health’ studies, with heavy investment from large organisations such the EU and across the world, have been looking into the positive impact that time spent near the ‘blue spaces’ like the sea has on wellbeing and mental health. And for years, the results have consistently shown the benefits.
On the Islands of Guernsey, many locals credit their daily trips to the beach (whether it's for a walk or a sea swim) as the reason they feel calmer and more balanced - even after a long day at work. Likewise, many holidaymakers feel as though even a short trip to our islands allows them to switch off and enjoy a wellbeing reset.
1. Waves are proven to lower stress levels
Many of us will notice that we feel calmer and less stressed when we're around the sea, but there is also a physical impact on our bodies.
Often referred to as ‘the blue space effect’, it is thought that the rhythm and sound of the waves, as well as the sight of the horizon stretching out in front of us, works to regulate our nervous system and lower cortisol levels and blood pressure, in turn making us breathe slower and feel less anxious.
If you fancy a quieter alternative to Guernsey's bars & restaurants, enjoy a sunset walk on the west coast (perhaps with a beach barbecue or fish and chips) as the sun goes down.
2. Sea air is fresher and less polluted
Breathing in fresh sea air goes hand in hand with that holiday feeling: and science can tell us why.
The air along the coast is charged with negative ions, proven to help us breathe more deeply by improving lung function and the absorption of oxygen. Plants and trees near the coast also emit immune-boosting phytoncides, proven to increase our body’s production of infection-fighting white blood cells.
The Islands of Guernsey have the added advantage of being surrounded by sea and open spaces, so take advantage and spend time hiking, cycling and swimming to enjoy that island feeling and fresh sea air.
3. Spending time on the beach boosts mood
Beach time is often also associated with time in the sun and an accompanying vitamin D boost; low levels of which can affect hormone regulation and mood.
In addition, as well as improving lung function, negative ions in the sea air also benefit serotonin levels, which in turn boosts mood and energy. This may explain why we often feel as though our worries float away when walking on a beach or swimming in the sea.
In an article produced by The Guardian, Dr Matthew White described water's 'psychologically restorative effect', saying: “What we find is that [when] spending time walking on the beach, there’s a transition towards thinking outwards towards the environment, [and] thinking about those patterns – putting your life in perspective, if you like.”
There are many wellness activities to be enjoyed on Guernsey, from beach yoga and water sports, to cliff walks and sea swimming. There are also plenty of hidden bays just waiting to be discovered, for a little bit of peace and quiet and the chance to escape the day-to-day.
4. You will sleep better
Spending time outside at the beach or near the sea - rather than in front of the blue light of a screen - means we will drift off to sleep more easily.
This is because exposure to natural light helps to regulate our body’s circadian rhythm and hormones, putting us more in tune with nature - and thus more alert during the day and tired at night.
The cadence of the waves (in terms of both sound and repetitive flow) is also a key factor, as demonstrated in a recent study by the National Trust, which showed that those who spend time walking by the sea slept for longer than those hiking inland.
Book a wellbeing trip to our islands today with our special offer packages.
See you soon!
Sources
https://www.puraveda.org/post/the-healing-properties-of-the-beach-negative-ions-for-health
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/nature/how-walking-in-nature-can-help-wellbeing
https://news-archive.exeter.ac.uk/featurednews/title_658463_en.html
