Living by the sea really is good for you and now there’s evidence to back that up. Environmental psychologist Dr Lewis Elliot reveals the benefits of living by the coast. Words: Anna Turns
Despite the widespread intuitive feeling that being by the sea makes us happier and healthier, there hasn’t been much scientific evidence to quantify this connection. Until now. Environmental psychologist Dr Lewis Elliott studies how the natural environment, in particular the coast, makes us feel, think and behave – and he and his team at the University of Exeter’s European Centre for Environment & Human Health are unravelling the tangible benefits of breathing in the fresh sea air.
1. You don’t have to get your feet wet to reap the health benefits – even just a view of the sea can promote reductions in heart rate and improvements in mood
2. You rate your health as significantly better if you live within 5km of the British coastline
3. You are more likely to exercise regularly if you live within 1km of the English coastline
4. You are more likely to have better mental health if you live within 5km of the British coastline
5. The UK economy could benefit to the tune of £176m of healthcare savings per year from water-based recreation alone.
Read about more coastal activities here, or check out the magazine.
SOURCES
1. Cracknell, D., White, M. P., Pahl, S., Nichols, W. J., & Depledge, M. H. (2015). Marine Biota and Psychological Well-Being A Preliminary Examination of Dose–Response Effects in an Aquarium Setting. Environment and Behavior, 48(10), 1242-1269.
2. Wheeler, B. W., White, M., Stahl-Timmins, W., & Depledge, M. H. (2012). Does living by the coast improve health and wellbeing?. Health & place, 18(5), 1198-1201.
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White, M. P., Alcock, I., Wheeler, B. W., & Depledge, M. H. (2013). Coastal proximity, health and wellbeing: results from a longitudinal panel survey. Health & place, 23, 97-103.
3. White, M. P., Wheeler, B. W., Herbert, S., Alcock, I., & Depledge, M. H. (2014). Coastal proximity and physical activity: Is the coast an under-appreciated public health resource?. Preventive medicine, 69, 135-140.
4. White, M. P., Alcock, I., Wheeler, B. W., & Depledge, M. H. (2013). Coastal proximity, health and wellbeing: results from a longitudinal panel survey. Health & place, 23, 97-103.
5. Papathanasopoulou, E., White, M. P., Hattam, C., Lannin, A., Harvey, A., & Spencer, A. (2016). Valuing the health benefits of physical activities in the marine environment and their importance for marine spatial planning. Marine Policy, 63, 144-152.
