Take a look at a map of the world and take note of where the majority of people choose to live. More often than not, settlements are beside rivers or on the coast.
Historically, there were good reasons for this. If you had a harbor, it was easier to get merchandise in and out of the city.
But there’s more to it than that. It seems that being beside water helps with wellbeing, and makes you feel better about your life. There’s a reason there are so many luxurious homes built on the coast.
Here are some of the reasons why living by the sea could be the best wellness decision you ever make.
The Sea Air Helps You Sleep Better
Unfortunately, thanks to vehicular and industrial pollution, most large cities are intolerably polluted. Diesel and smoke particles in the air get into your lungs, cause inflammation, and literally shorten your life.
There’s evidence to suggest, however, that sea air can make you sleep better.
The reasons for this are quite simple: when there’s less pollution in the atmosphere, there’s more oxygen. And when oxygen levels are higher, it helps to transport feel-good nutrients to the brain, balancing serotonin levels.
It Lends Itself To A More Active Lifestyle
Picture this: it’s Saturday morning and you’re making breakfast in your inner-city flat. You could go for a jog after you’ve eaten, but that would mean running past crowds of people, looking at ugly buildings, and breathing in vast quantities of pollution.
Now compare that experience to a run along the beach. All of a sudden, the thought of getting some physical activity seems much more attractive.
People who live beside the sea tend to have a more active lifestyle. The environment is pleasant, and there are more exciting sporting activities, including surfing, paddle boarding, and sailing.
Saltwater Might Help Your Body Heal
You can’t drink salt water, but there’s evidence that it might be able to help your body heal. The world’s oceans are high in sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which all have curative effects on the body.
Researcher, for instance, from the University of Freiburg suggests that a combination of UVB radiation from the sun and saltwater can address problems like psoriasis.
It Counters Feelings Of Anxiety And Depression
Research indicates that living close to the coast is better for mental health than living inland.
Academic research, for instance, looked at census data and correlated it with distance from the sea. The statistics showed that people who were further from the coast had higher rates of anxiety and depression, while those who were closer were much better off.
More studies found that being next to the coast made people around a fifth less likely to develop clinically significant mental health issues, compared to the rest of the population.
Interestingly, you don’t have to go in the water to get the benefits of being beside the sea. Just staring at the horizon is enough to fill a lot of people with awe and possibility, just as it did our ancestors.
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