I do like to be beside the seaside!

“Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside! I do like to be beside the sea!”

We have all heard this old song and it conjures up memories of our childhood trips to the seaside.  But as well as being a pleasant experience to visit the seaside, did you know that going to the seaside also has positive health benefits for us?

Helps to reduce stress

Whether it is the rhythm of the waves, the fresh salty air or the ability to look for miles across blue water, being at the seaside does promote wellness, relaxation and a good night’s sleep.  Researchers have found that the sound of waves alters brain patterns, which lulls you into a deeply relaxed state and rejuvenates body and mind.  Plus it’s a good opportunity to catch up on some reading of a favourite novel.

To escape and sit quietly on the beach – that’s my idea of paradise.

Emilia Wickstead

Helps with breathing difficulties

Back in Victorian times, a trip to the seaside was frequently prescribed by doctors to help with breathing problems especially for people living in cities with pollution from the industrial factories.  It is believed that the relatively high amount of salt in sea air helps to absorb some of the water in the respiratory tract.  This then opens up the airways so breathing becomes easier.  Even hay fever sufferers report an improvement in symptoms when they spend time at the coast as the fresh sea breezes clear the nasal passages.

Helps with eczema and other skin disorders

Bathing in the sea may offer some relief to people suffering from eczema or dermatitis.  The magnesium in seawater may improve the barrier function of the skin so it becomes less dry and rough.  Salt and potassium chloride, which are naturally found in seawater, are great healers.  Studies have also shown that the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in seawater produce antibiotic and antibacterial effects that promote immunity.

If you don’t fancy a dip in the cold sea water during the winter months, you could head to Soak Seaweed Baths in Newcastle for a warm and luxurious way to benefit your skin.

Encourages exercise

Whether it’s walking barefoot on the beach or having a paddle in the chilly Atlantic waters, a trip to the beach does encourage us to be more active.  It actually is harder to walk on the beach than on a path or grass as you are constantly counter-balancing the uneven surface of the sand, effectively giving your calves and thighs an extra workout too.

Living in Northern Ireland, the coast is only a short drive away for most of us and we are blessed with many amazing coastal walks nearby.  Here are a selection of my favourites and not all of them are on the Causeway Coast.  Please let me know in the comments if I have left any of your favourite coastal walk out of the list and I can add it in.

• Portrush West Strand
• Portstewart Strand
• White Park Bay
• Ballycastle Beach
• Castlerock Beach
• Benone Beach
• Loughshore Walk, Jordanstown
• North Down Coastal Way
• Tyrella Beach
• Murlough Nature Reserve, Newcastle
• Newcastle Promenade

The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.

Robert Wyland

So what’s stopping you from heading to the seaside on your next day off?  It’s good for both your mental and physical health and all you have to do is follow the Beach Rules ie

Soak up the sun. Ride the waves. Breathe the salty air. Feel the breeze. Build sandcastles. Rest, relax, reflect. Collect seashells. Bare-feet required.

The Author