Finally there’s an excuse to loll on the beach without any niggling guilt.
New research has proven the restorative qualities of a walk on the sand or a stroll in the surf.
We don’t need to fly off to exotic destinations to feel the benefits though. Simply heading to the nearest beach or seaside town can do the world of good.
The study found that a walk on a beach has a great impact on emotional well-being. Researchers looked at data from 2,750 participants in a two-year study of people’s engagement with the natural environment. While all outdoor locations were associated with positive feelings of enjoyment, calmness and refreshment, visits to the coast came out on top.
Matthew White, from the European Centre for Environment and Human Health in Truro, Cornwall, said: ”There is a lot of work on the beneficial effects of visiting natural environments, but our findings suggest it is time to move beyond a simple ‘urban versus rural’ debate and start looking at the effect different natural environments have on people’s health and well-being.”
However, for people lucky enough to live by the sea the research is like preaching to the converted.
Seaside towns in Courier country like Arbroath, Broughty Ferry and Kirkcaldy will be flooded with daytrippers desperate for that holiday feeling come the first glimmer of sunshine, and locals understand the feel-good factor that only comes from the sea air.
Bryan Murray, from Kirkcaldy, said: ”I really like being near the water it’s good to get a bit of fresh air when you live in a town. I also like having the beaches at Seafield and Kinghorn close by in the summertime.”
Chairman of Broughty Ferry Community Council George Ferguson is a Ferry man through and through but his wife Ann spent the first 19 years of her life in Lochee. She said there are definite benefits to living so close to the sea now.
”It’s definitely better air quality down here. We used to live closer to the water. When the children were young it was great down the beach.”
However, Mrs Ferguson said people can be guilty of taking it for granted. She said: ”We should be down there more often but I suppose like everything else life takes over.”
Angela and Gordon Linton (above) are Broughty Ferry residents who often walk their dog Charlie on the beach.
Angela said: ”I’ve always lived by the sea. I was brought up in Anstruther. I’ve been in the Ferry for 20 years and I would miss it if I wasn’t by the sea. We go for walks along the beach a lot more now we’ve got the dog.”
Sandy Pattie, from Barnhill, is retired and walks every day.
He said: ”I would agree without a doubt about the psychological benefits. Walking along the beach is fantastic. I walk for miles and miles.”
Kathryn Tate, of Arbroath, said: ”I love walking my dog on a stretch of beach. I think it’s very calming and great for a family day out. My dog enjoys it too and likes to bring lots of sand back into the house.”
Stuart Scott, of Arbroath, added: ”I agree with the report the seaside is definitely a pleasant place to stay. I think along a beach is as pleasant as a walk in any park.”