2023-06-06 14:26:37
Researchers base this knowledge on a large-scale study involving more than 15,000 people from 14 European countries (including the Netherlands). The researcher involved in this project, Sandra Geiger, explains Science explains how it works: “First of all, we asked people about their general health. We then asked them how close they lived to the sea and how often they had visited the sea in the past 12 months.”
Many more questions were asked: for example about their activities on the coast. The demographic data in the study also played a role. “We found that in all countries, people reported better health when they lived close to the sea or spent more time by the sea.”
It is important to realize that it is a correlational study, Geiger explains. “Based on our study, we can conclude that people who live near the sea or who visit the sea more often are healthier. However, based on our study, we cannot conclude that the sea actually makes people healthier.”
Another study on the (positive) effects of the sea
A Washington University study of more than 1,000 beachgoers also found that staying at the beach reduces anxiety, depression, and stress. In addition to your mood, the sea also stimulates creativity. It is therefore not surprising that after your holiday you often feel that you can get back to it or that you have gained all kinds of inspiration.
The same study also showed that people who live with a view of the sea have significantly fewer psychological problems. Their stress level is also quite low and they are usually better at putting things into perspective. You would almost move because of it…
Why is it better by the sea?
The fact that staying on the coast is good for your health is old advice. Doctors advised wealthy, wealthy patients to do this centuries ago. Why is it really better for you?
According to Geiger, this may be because the air at sea is often less polluted. Also encourages one stay by the sea people to be more physically active, think of a water sport, to walk or cycling. In addition, people often go to sea with others. That social interaction can have a positive effect on your mental health.
The sea water itself also contains beneficial substances. The water is packed with vitamins and minerals such as iodine, potassium and magnesium. Taking a dip in the sea every now and then also ensures that those healthy substances are absorbed through your skin. The salty and potassium-rich water removes dead skin cells and also has a bactericidal effect. Think of it as a free scrub from Mother Nature.
So are you in a slump? Or is your health failing you? Then this is your sign to plan a trip to one of these beautiful beaches. Just say it’s on doctor’s orders.
Bron: Science/Libelle.be
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