Recent scientific research confirms the health benefits of the sea. If you don’t live by the sea, a walk beside the waves can be extremely invigorating for your mental health.
For decades, the sea has been France’s favorite vacation destination. A preference confirmed by a recent survey conducted by Ipsos for AMSFHE: 37% of holidays are spent near the sea, compared with « only » 25% in the countryside and 18% in the mountains.
In addition to its scenic beauty, the seaside offers numerous health benefits.
Published in May 2023 in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, a study conducted by scientists at the University of Vienna involving over 15,000 people from 15 different countries (France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, the UK and Australia) reveals that living near the sea improves people’s sense of well-being, regardless of country or income level.
Don’t live by the sea? Escape for a holiday!
« It’s striking to observe such consistent and clear trends across the 15 countries studied. We also demonstrate that everyone seems to enjoy the benefits of the seaside, not just the more affluent, » notes Sandra J. Geiger, the study’s lead author.
While the benefits are greatest for those who live near the sea, the positive effects are also seen among holidaymakers who come here for refuge.
The benefits of the sea for mental health
Interviewed by the Earth media, British neuroscientist Rachel Taylor confirms the benefits of sea air on mental health.
According to her, a walk by the sea improves brain function and boosts the production of chemicals necessary for balance and well-being.
« When you breathe sea air, the ions it contains help to increase the brain’s electrical activity by 47% and create new neuronal pathways, which, in simple terms, allows you to think more clearly, » she points out.
A feeling of well-being that is promoted by a boost inoxytocin, a hormone that plays a key role in social bonds, trust and love.